A MAN who broke his neck during a water park accident while on holiday has made it through his first major operation.

David, Briffaut, 23, from Benfleet, is currently on life-support at a Spanish hospital after breaking two vertebrae going down a water slide.

Echo:

Slide - David, left, going down the slide

Echo:

Happier - David with girlfriend Penny

The accident happened at the Aqualandia tourist attraction in Benidorm.

On Wednesday, David made survived an operation to put a plate in his neck but still requires further surgery before his family can contemplate bringing him home to Benfleet.

David was holidaying with girlfriend Penny Bristow, 22, to celebrate her graduation when the accident happened on July 8.

His family say he had not been drinking and had used the slide in the proper way.

Maria Jose Marcos, a spokesman for Aqualandia, denied an responsibility for the accident.

She added: “The ride Splash is completely safe, as are the rest of slides of the

park. Each season, before opening the park, an external company specialised in water parks makes an exhaustive review of all the slides. Beyond this, our staff check them every morning.

“Moreover, we have video footage which plainly shows how the 23-year old man did not follow the guidelines for Splash. Our lifeguard team informed him of the rules of the ride and he didn’t obey them.

“So, Aqualandia cannot be held for the consequences of visitors failing to follow safety rules. Of course, Aqualandia helped him and his friends in every way and our insurance covered all the medical attention.

“Aqualandia has a long history - 34 years - and safety is our top

priority. Our rules and recommendations are clearly displayed all the

park and must be adhered to by our visitors. We work hard to maintain

our good reputation and we will take appropriate judicial action should

that become necessary.

“All the Aqualandia staff are very sad about happened that day but, as

we have already said, the park is not responsible for the accident.”

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “[We] are assisting the family of a British man hospitalised in Alicante, including by providing details of local lawyers, visiting the family at the hospital and liaising with the authorities.”

The family is now trying to raise £75,000 to bring him home when he is ready.

Boyce Hill Golf Club, where David was the green keeper has joined the appeal.

A spokesman for the club said: “As many of you may now know, our green keeper David was involved in a tragic accident whilst on holiday in Spain last week.

“Dave is currently in an intensive care unit in Spain with his girlfriend Penny and family close by his side. He has already under gone one operation and is expected to have another this week.

“Dave is a key part of our Boyce Hill working team. His smile, energy, positivity and general enthusiasm for life is warming.

“As a club we are saddened by the awful news, however as a Club we are all behind you Dave.

“A true gentleman with such a passion for life. At just 23 years old his life has been turned upside down but we will do everything we can to support both Dave and his family through this tragedy. Big Man from our staff, members and visitors, stay strong and look forward to having back home.”

A Just Giving page has been set up and has raised more than £47,000.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/davidbriffaut