A charity football match has raised hundreds to support a Heacham man who became paralysed after an accident at work last year.

Around 80 people attended the match between Wells and Hunstanton at Wells football ground on Sunday which raised £640 towards a new lightweight wheelchair for Sean Garrett, 52.

Sean, company director of Lighthouse Contract Ltd based in Hunstanton, had worked as an electrical contractor in West Norfolk for 28 years until an accident while on a job in Pentney in October led to him becoming paralysed from the waist down.

Last month, his daughters Chelsea and Danielle launched a fundraising appeal to crowdfund for the £4,500 needed to pay for a new lightweight wheelchair which will improve Sean’s life.

His current wheelchair weighs about 32lbs, compared to the lightweight one which weighs around 20lbs less.

Having used a lightweight wheelchair while at spinal rehab sessions in Sheffield, Mr Garrett said owning one would make his life a lot easier, as he would be able to lift it.

The charity football match, which was organised by James Durham who Sean has previously worked with, has now brought the appeal to within £400 of its target.

The event also included a raffle and a buffet meal for guests.

Sean said: “It was an absolutely incredible day.

“I was very emotional and made a speech thanking all involved who have helped me, to which my emotions took hold, with me crying in front of 40 men, women and children.”

Ahead of the match, Sean said he had received support from more than 450 people, including West Norfolk’s Muslim community.

Sean has previously fitted out the King’s Lynn Islamic Centre on London Road while working as an electrician.

“I was also handed an envelope from the King’s Lynn Islamic Centre with £540 enclosed from a complimentary gift from the members after prayer last Friday,” Sean added.

“Once again, a huge thank you to all involved in making the charity football match such an incredible event to which I was emotionally overwhelmed.”

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Now reliant on a wheelchair to get around, Sean said he intends to “live his life to the absolute maximum”.

“My whole focus is, I don’t personally care whether I walk again, but I will live life,” he said.

“My family was told there was a 10 per cent chance of me living in the first few weeks after the accident, but at the end of the day I will live my life to the absolute maximum – no different to what I did before, that’s the only way to do it.”

To support the fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chelseadanielle-garrett.