Non-uniform day for Alan

RIPON Grammar School is holding a non-uniform day in support of a 15-year-old student who has suffered a life-changing accident.

Alan Nowicki’s fall from a pull-up exercise bar at home in December resulted in a severe spinal cord injury which left him paralysed from the waist down.

His family is now trying to raise £20,000 to help him walk again (see update below).

Alan was taken to Leeds General Infirmary for surgery and was transferred to Wakefield Pinderfields Hospital 11 days later.

His mother Kamila is keen to transfer Alan to a specialist intensive rehabilitation centre after being told his NHS care plan would involve an hour of manual physiotherapy four times a week.

She sought a second opinion from a doctor who told her intensive rehabilitation was important during the first three months following such an injury.

She has approached a technology centre in her native Poland, Donum Corde, which offers hydro and electro therapy.

Alan’s main goal is to be back at school sitting his GCSEs as normal with his classmates, so he can achieve his dream of becoming a Royal Air Force pilot.

His teachers have visited him in hospital, given him mock exam papers and call home weekly to check in.

Kamila says: “He keeps saying he will be walking soon, he is so motivated. He is handling it amazingly; he never complains and takes everything as it comes."

She urges anyone considering donating: “Just give him a chance, if not to walk again just a chance to achieve the best outcome, even if it’s a partial recovery we just want to keep him healthy.

“I couldn’t sleep knowing there is something we could be doing and weren’t trying our best to do it. If we never give him the chance, I would never forgive myself,” she says.

Announcing the non-uniform day to parents and guardians, headmaster Jonathan Webb said: “If you feel able to support Alan’s rehabilitation please consider a suggested donation of £2 or more by visiting Parent Pay in the usual way.

“We are so looking forward to welcoming Alan back to our RGS community and do hope that with your help he can make a strong recovery.”

To find out more and donate to the cause click here.

UPDATE: Alan and his family have now arrived in Poland, where he has started his rehabilitation, with four hours of intensive therapy every day. "Thank you for everyone's support," says his mother, Kamila.

Alan pictured at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield while awaiting a transfer to the specialist intensive rehabilitation centre