A gala dinner is being held to raise funds to help modify the home of a window cleaner who was diagnosed with cancer after being left paralysed by a fall.

Paul Ridewood, 62, from Woodham Ferrers, was cleaning a conservatory roof in Martingale Road, Billericay when he fell eight foot and suffered extensive injuries which left him without feeling from the waist down.

While being treated for the injuries in hospital, Paul was diagnosed with bladder cancer which has subsequently spread to his lymph nodes.

Since the accident in April 2017, Paul has been treated in four different hospitals for his injuries and cancer, and has only recently been able to return home to his wife, Alison.

The gala dinner is being organised by family friend Therese Grant, who first met Alison almost 30 years ago when they lived opposite each other, and has known Paul since the couple got together.

Money raised through ticket sales and a grand raffle will go towards the substantial cost of making changes to the couple’s home so that it is accessible for Paul and they can continue to live there.

Therese said: “I can’t express how life-changing it has been for them.

“What makes me want to help them more is that Paul’s spirit is so incredibly high despite everything.

“He is so determined to get through this and if anyone is going to, it’s him.

“It’s so important that we raise as much money as possible from the dinner so that the modifications can be made to their home.

“They just both deserve some good fortune after everything that’s happened. It’s just been the most hideous time. There’s no way that they would expect this but it would just ease the burden for them dramatically.”

The dinner will take place at Orsett Hall Hotel in Thurrock, just off the M25, on Friday, March 23, 2018.

It is hoped to create a Las Vegas theme, with a casino, Elvis Presley impersonator, and DJ accompanying a three-course meal.

Therese said: “We are hoping that the many people who know Paul, and also those who perhaps don’t but are touched by his situation, will support the dinner by attending or by contributing a raffle prize.”

Tickets to the dinner are priced £75 each. To book or contribute a raffle prize email theresegrant@live.co.uk.