Family of man left paralysed by freak trampoline accident told to ‘say goodbye’

The family of a man left paralysed and fighting for his life after a freak trampoline accident have been told to ‘say goodbye’.

Rob Harcourt, from Stockton, tripped and fell into a trampoline whilst at a friend’s house last month, resulting in him dislocating his neck and kinking his spinal cord.

He was rushed to James Cook University Hospital, where he later suffered a cardiac arrest. Doctors also found fluid and swelling on his brain.

The thirty-seven-year-old has since spent weeks in intensive care where he has undergone a series of operations, including one to stabilise his neck to prevent any further harm.

GoFundMe

While his family knew he wouldn’t ever walk again, they hoped he’d someday regain consciousness and breathe independently without the need for a ventilator.

However, after doctors found fluid on Rob’s brain, his family have this week received the devastating news that he will not recover from his injuries.

Rob’s relatives and close friends have now been told to say their goodbyes before doctors disconnect his breathing machines and he ‘passes peacefully’.

His brother Alan shared the heartbreaking news on a GoFundMe page set up to help Rob’s family and partner through this difficult time.

Rob Harcourt / Facebook

Alan wrote: “I’m afraid we have some really really sad news. The consultants have today (August 20th) confirmed that Rob will not recover.

“His close friends and family have been invited to say their goodbyes. The doctors will then remove his tracheotomy and he will pass peacefully surrounded and wrapped in love by his first and last love – his mum and his partner.”

Alan and his partner Amanda initially set up the GoFundMe to help support this relatives during this difficult time – it has now surpassed its £6,000 goal with a total of £7,058 at the time of writing.

To donate and to read more about Rob’s story, visit the fundraiser here.