James restarts at college after freak trampoline accident

The 18-year-old has just returned to Exeter College as a full-time student.

James, known as Jimbo to his friends, is following a media studies course and has a full-time carer with him during his time in class.

His father Ian, a driving instructor, said: "He started with everyone else at the college and is enjoying it.

"He has the assistance of a 24-hour carer and the college has been very helpful so he is having no problems getting about. He also has a new state-of-the-art wheelchair to get him around.

"The only problem now is that he has homework to do."

James, of Penny Close, Exminster, was paralysed from the waist down after attempting a front flip into a swimming pool off a trampoline at a friend's house in Ivy Close, Wonford, Exeter.

Friends pulled James out of the water and family members have since spoken of how strong and positive he has been, but he says he is just getting on with his life.

He said: "Obviously, I would rather not be in a wheelchair but I'm still planning for the future.

"It can get a bit boring being in the house and just watching television, but I see my friends a lot and I still go out and do as many things as I can."

He has recently bought a car with the help of a motobility allowance which is available for his driving friends to take him out and about in.

James spent nearly nine months in hospital in Salisbury, Wiltshire, following the accident last September.

He returned home the day before his 18th birthday and celebrated both his release from hospital and his milestone birthday with a party.

He has had a metal rod inserted in his neck and has no feeling from the waist down.

James was studying photography at Exeter College at the time of the accident.

Since then, friends and supporters have rallied round to raise cash to help pay for his wheelchair and adaptations to his home.

An auction at Exeter City's St James's Park ground raised more than £1,000.

More recently, Ross Szender and Martin England, both lifeguards at Exmouth Sports Centre, dedicated their John o' Groats to Land's End cycle ride to James as they raised money for the UK charity Spinal Research.