Footballer treats paralysed girl

A teenage footballer who was recently paralysed after falling from a tree has been given a surprise visit on her 14th birthday by one of her sporting heroes.

Lauren Jones, of Worthing, Sussex, had just qualified for youth trials at Brighton and Hove Albion football club when she was paralysed a month ago.

Graeme Murty, the former captain of her favourite team, Reading Football Club, surprised her at her hospital bedside.

Surrounded by family, he gave her a Reading shirt and a cake with candles.

Lauren has been recovering from surgery in Southampton General Hospital, where doctors and nurses have been amazed by her positive attitude.

"I can't change it so there's no point sulking"

She told BBC News the visit had been a shock: "I wasn't expecting it, I was expecting my nan."

She added the visit from the former Scotland international defender was "good, especially with the shirt".

Her mother, Susan Jones, said: "He was always one of her favourite players when he was at Reading.

"She's been a season ticket holder for, I think this is the fifth year.

'Really quite something'

"Today is really quite something, especially seeing as she was doing a lot of complaining earlier that this was going to be a bit of a grotty birthday, and that we hadn't organised her friends to come.

"I think she's happy now."

Her parents are currently living at the hospital to be near Lauren and Mrs Jones said her daughter was the one giving everyone strength: "Words can't describe it, she's been absolutely fantastic."

She and a friend had climbed a tree at Chichester Marina when Lauren fell and hit branches on the way down, before landing on her back.

Two weeks ago, Lauren told BBC News: "I remember climbing the tree at the beginning, then hitting the floor afterwards and seeing my friend walk past, and then that was it again.

"I can't change it so there's no point sulking," she added.

A talented footballer, Lauren had helped her team, the Worthing Minors, to victory in last year's under 14 Challenge Cup.

She had also just been picked for youth trials with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Murty, who made more than 300 appearances for Reading over an 11-year spell at the club, was last week handed a trial by Southampton Football Club.

Lauren's family have set up a trust fund for her future. A website has not yet been set up, but people can pledge donations and support at info@laurenjsfoundation.org.uk

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Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust
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