A MAN who was told he would never walk again after breaking his back in a motorcycle accident accomplished a major goal by standing up on his 30th birthday.

Andrew Bell managed to stand unaided to send an inspiring video message to family and supporters in County Durham, from the Thai hospital where he is undergoing groundbreaking treatment.

From Spennymoor, County Durham, he was paralysed in the crash in May which left him with four broken ribs, a dislocated sternum, a fractured eye socket, a punctured right lung and two fractures to his spine.

He was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, and after emergency surgery had two metal rods inserted in his back to relieve pressure on his spine.

He was warned he would be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life but was immediately fired up to prove the doctors wrong.

Last month he travelled to the Better Being Hospital, in Bangkok, to be the first person in the world to have epidural stimulator surgery and stem cell treatment so soon after injury.

He celebrated turning 30 on Tuesday (December 8) by standing up in a video to thank supporters who are raising funds for the treatment.

He said: “Things are going amazingly well to be honest.

“I can already stand on my own unaided and last week started walking for the very first time on the treadmill in the sling which was incredible.

“The hospital are blown away and say no one has ever done what I've done and have asked me if I would be interested in staying for a few extra weeks as they want to use me as a case study.

“I may even be able to walk in some shape before I leave which we weren't expecting for at least six to 12 months.”

Mr Bell has experienced some natural recovery of control of his legs when the stimulator is not even on which medics would usually expect to wait years to see.

Doctors say that if Mr Bell’s treatment is successful and he walks again it could be truly significant in terms of medical advancement.

The total cost of the treatment is around £50,000 so his brother Rory Bell, from Pelton, set up a GoFundMe fundraising page to boost the medical fund which has raised more than £13,000 so far.

He said: “As a family we are so proud of the determination and strength Andy has shown through what has been a very difficult and testing time.

“We all wanted to help support him not only emotionally but also financially to ensure that he has the best chance to aid his road to recovery.”

Kelsea Little, spokesperson for GoFundMe.com, said: “The Bell family’s GoFundMe campaign is incredibly inspiring and it’s amazing to see the support of everyone who has rallied together to donate.

"We’re very happy to be able to provide a platform that allows Andrew to take another step on his road to recovery. We wish him all the very best.”

To make a donation visit gofundme.com/x7b7ck