AN appeal has been launched to bring home a Caldicot man following an accident in New Zealand.

Matthew Williamson has been “living the Kiwi dream, working and exploring” in New Zealand but last week severed his spinal cord in a work accident.

Friends have set up a page on the crowdfunding website www.givealittle.

co.nz to help fly Matthew home to the UK.

The accident happened while he was working as an industrial abseiler and he has had surgery on his damaged spine.

His partner, Justine Bennett, who is a nurse is with him.

Writing on the page, friend Andrew Page, of Auckland, said: “Last week, on a regular Tuesday at work, Matt was climbing a fixed ladder before reaching the top and hitting his head on a hatch above.

“The impact knocked him unconscious and caused him to fall four metres (13ft) onto the ground below, tragically severing his spinal cord.

“It is with great sadness to succumb to the realisation, and say the words, that the fall has now left Matt paralysed from the chest down.

“Matt is currently in hospital recovering, and awaits the all clear to enter a rehabilitation programme for a further three months.

“Once medically cleared, the cost will then be faced to fly Matt safely home to Wales with the necessary requirements and to be able to progress his recovery.”

Matt, who is known as “our little Welshie”, has had “heaps of support” from his friends in New Zealand, said Mr Page.

“Being the fantastic bloke Matt is, he hasn’t let this accident define him and has retained a positive attitude.

“However, although we are all here for Matt, it is at times like this that the support and help from close family and friends is most important which is why we have created this page to ease the financial pressure Justine and Matt face at this difficult time to get him home to them.”

Anything raised above the cost of flying him back will be used to help with the expenses faced during the process which lies ahead.

His father, Nigel, who has flown out to be with him, told the New Zealand Herald: “Obviously I am devastated about what has happened to my son, I want to get him home and back to the family, but we are very grateful to the doctors and nurses and overwhelmed by the emotional response to it.”

The appeal has to raised $22,000, around £11,442.

Caldicot Running Club and Caldicot Castle FC are planning a Boxing Day run with proceeds going to the fund to bring Matt home. The 2.6 -mile run starts at 10am.