'Amazing' community rally behind paralysed teen

The Ellesmere community has been described as "amazing" for supporting an injured teenager, who was left paralysed from the chest down following a freak accident.

Morgan Clewes suffered a spinal cord injury while playing on a swing with his friends in September last year.

The 16-year-old has been told he will need a wheelchair for the rest of his life, which costs about £10,000.

Morgan's mum, Julie Clewes, said she was "blown away" by how many events had been organised in the community, adding: "I happened to mention to two friends about this wheelchair and the next thing I knew Facebook was filled people saying they wanted to help."

She said a close friend was organising a 10k run or walk from Ellesmere to Colemere on 18 April.

"We've got another group of family friends who have decided to do a big bingo night, which I can't believe was sold out within 12 hours," she said.

"Who's ever heard of a bingo night have a waiting list? It was ridiculous."

Ellesmere Rangers, the family's local football team, has also said their next game against Shifnal Town would be free, with those attending asked to donate to the cause.

Julie added: "It's been completely overwhelming. I have nothing to do with it, I just keep being told everyone wants to help and support.

"The community's help has been amazing and I hope their reward is seeing him out and about in his chair."

Recalling the day of the accident, she said: "To begin with we didn't think it would be anything too major but from listening to his friends and what they were saying, they told us it was quite serious."

After explaining Morgan's condition to the emergency operator, an air ambulance was sent to the scene to take him to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

By the time Julie reached the hospital, her son had already had his CT and MRI scan.

"We were sat down and told there was definitely a spinal cord injury and he would need major surgery," she said.

Morgan said he had no recollection of the fall but he was thankful his friends were there to keep him calm.

He said: "At first, you know when you fall over and scrape your knee and it's a bit numb at first? I just thought it was that.

"I thought it was just going to wear off so I didn't think it was anything major, but it sunk in when I couldn't move my legs or my arms.

"The panic did kick in when I realised it was serious, but I was lucky my mates were calm and rang my mum and dad."

He was in hospital in Liverpool until November, but he was treated to a surprise visit from former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney.

Julie said the former England star had been "lovely" and spent time one-on-one with her son, who received a match-worn signed shirt.

"We spoke about football, how I'm coping, how I'm getting through the days and talking about mentality," Morgan said.

"We spoke about his career, how he got to where he got to, his challenges and yeah, it was a really good conversation. I'm really glad he came."

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.