A FUNDRAISING plea to help a disabled father-of-four from Pembroke Dock keep his independence by providing him with an electric wheelchair has gained nearly £1,300 of the £2,000 needed in a week.

Vaughan Arnold, 35, of Wavell Crescent, has battled a string of conditions during his life.

After his health deteriorate, he was placed in a coma late last year.

Miraculously, he recovered on New Year’s Day, but was left paralysed from the chest down from infections.

His brother-in-law Ben Probert, who was at his side when he woke up, has now started fundraising for an electric wheelchair, to help Vaughan keep his independence.

Speaking about the donations received so far, Vaughan said: “I couldn’t believe it; there’s some very generous people."

Vaughan, an artist who has exhibited at Haverfordwest’s VC Gallery, is currently at South Pembrokeshire Hospital as his home is unsuitable for disabled access.

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/vdw7eh2s.

Describing how the chair would help, Vaughan said: "I’d be able to pick my children up at the park and go shopping and get around, and keep living the life to the best I’m able to.

“I just carried on, you have to; I’ve got four babies I have to take care of.”