SOLDIER and strongman contestant Simon Cooper has been left paralysed from the neck down after a freak accident in a paddling pool.

Simon, 41, who is a father of two and has served nearly 20 years in the Army, was recently named Chippenham's strongest man.

But now he does not know what the future holds and Go Fund Me page has been set up to help him and his family.

He suffered a serious accident which broke his neck and severed his spinal cord on May 29 after slipping in a paddling pool at a relative's home in Hampshire and he is still in hospital in Southampton.

The keen body builder is well known on the gym and fitness scene in Chippenham where he lives with his wife and children.

But now they need help to modify their house.

His brother Michael who set up the fund said: "Simon joined the Army after school and has served nearly 20 years for his country and for his friends and family. His wife Leanne and kids Lee, 18, and Abbie, 18, are very proud of him as are all his friends and family.

"He has spent most of his life as an active body builder where he competed in Army strongman comps and recently Chippenhams strongest man .

"Since Simon's accident, he has been overwhelmed with support from his friends and family and we wish to use this gofundme idea as a way to help him and his family to modify their house so he can be home after his recovery.

"We know its a big target, and it will take a while to raise money for this modification to the house, so we all really appreciate your donations as we all love him and want his life to be as best it can given this tragic accident has robbed him use of his body.

"I look forward to seeing the challenges and money raising schemes you all come up with, and a really big thank you to you all for taking part to raise funds for his life improvements."

So far nearly £15,000 has been raised towards the £100,000 fund. Go to www.gofundme.com/f/simon039s-home-modification-fund?