FAMILY and friends of a Wroughton man paralysed in a bike accident are hoping that a night of live music will help pay for his rehabilitation treatment.

Stephen Rouse, 51, has been in and out of hospital for almost two years since he broke his neck and injured his spine after his front tyre got stuck in a rut while he was cycling near Bristol, which caused him to fly over the handlebars and hit his head on a fence.

His sister Jane Young said: “They didn’t think he’d survive the accident or move from the neck down ever again, but he’s really strong and he’s fought hard.”

Stephen’s close friend Andy Macdivitt has organised an event at the Regent Hotel in Swindon on Saturday night to raise money for Mr Rouse. They have been friends for six years after meeting while working as cleaners.

The 61-year-old said: “I was shocked when I heard about the accident, really shocked. He’s a very outgoing, likeable chap and he was always into sport and cycling.

“Considering what he’s been through he’s in remarkably high spirits and he can’t thank people enough for helping him get a better quality of life.”

The money will pay for intensive rehabilitation treatment at the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital’s world-class rehab unit, which could cost more than £60,000 as it isn’t covered on the NHS.

It is hoped that this will help him regain movement in his arms but this may soon become impossible if his muscles continue to deteriorate without receiving treatment.

Mrs Young said: “He’s had pneumonia twice, he’s been up and down and lost a lot of weight but hopefully he’s on the road to recovery.

“Things are improving – he’s got through the worst, we hope, but with a spinal injury things can go wrong very fast.”

The night will feature live music from bands Lost Hills and 7 Days Sonic who play covers of rock songs ranging from Coldplay and the Killers to Nirvana and Black Sabbath.

There will also be a an auction and a raffle with a grand prize draw of more than 40 prizes.

It’s £5 entry on the door for the event, which starts at 8pm. All proceeds will go to Stephen’s healthcare costs.

The former self-employed painter also requires extensive adaptations to his flat, 24-hour care when not in hospital, and a new electric wheelchair.

After spending more than 440 days in six different hospitals, he’s currently in Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

Jane added: “He’s looking better but he’s felt really down this past week.

“The hospital is under-staffed so he doesn’t see anyone and there’s nothing for him to do, he’s just lying there staring at the ceiling and he can’t move.”

Last week, Jane organised a gala ball that raised £7,000 for Stephen’s care and a couple of weeks earlier raised £600 with a spin class.

Andy added: “She’s been absolutely brilliant.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jane-young-2. For more information phone Andy on 07557 443360.