Edinburgh man raising money after back surgery left friend paralysed from the waist down

A Danderhall man’s life has been turned upside down after complications during a back operation left him paralysed from the waist down.

John Laidlaw , a bathroom fitter, underwent surgery on his back after suffering with chronic pain for several years.

But the 58-year-old was told he won’t be able to walk again following the procedure on April 30.

He is now recovering in a spinal unit in Glasgow, where he is likely to spend the next three to six months.

John and his wife, Tracey, are now facing the prospect of having to move out of their house where they have lived for 25 years as it is unable to be adapted to meet John’s needs.

Colin Darling, who has been friends with John for 20 years, is now raising money to help buy his friend a suitable home.

Colin (left) and John (right) have been friends for 20 years | Supplied

Corstorphine man Colin said: “They’re going to have to sell their house, buy and new one and work out what adaptations they need.

“And on top of that he no longer has an income. It’s incredible how your life can change like that overnight.”

Colin met John through his wife two decades ago and said the pair immediately hit it off.

The couples go on holiday together several times a year, love spending time outdoors and have even walked the West Highland Way together.

Speaking of how John is coping, he said: “His attitude is unbelievable. He’s determined to get out of the hospital as quickly as possible and is really pushing himself.

John, who has three grandchildren, is currently recovering at the spinal unit in Glasgow | Supplied

“He’s been so determined and has always got a smile on his face.

“He’s a very positive person and always got a got good outlook on life, and has embraced this challenge in the exact same way.

“He’s of the point of view that there’s no point in feeling sorry for himself, he’s just got to get on with it.”

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He said he wanted to set up the fundraiser after realising how much the couple will have to sort out to accommodate John’s new condition.

“It’s going to cost a fortune to get everything done that they need and for John to have some semblance of independence and a life together,” he said.

“I just thought if we can even a wee bit of money to help him get some of the basics of what he needs that would be great.”

The fundraiser has already raised over £10,000.

“John has never shed a tear about being paralysed but he’s shed many tears at the kindness and generosity of people,” said Colin.

“He’s speechless at the level of support he’s been given. It has come from far and wide, friends of friends, people who he worked with years ago, people who hasn’t seen in years.

“It’s been incredible.”

You can donate to the fundraiser here.