A disabled man has launched an urgent appeal to pay for surgery that will allow his best friend to eat solid food for the first time in a year.

David Deacon, 32, of Kingsdale Drive, said his friend John Kimani, has only taken in liquids and soup over the past 12 months, after he was severely injured in a car crash last March.

Mr Kimani, who lives in Kenya, escaped death after a bus ploughed into his vehicle.

He had swerved out of the way to miss hitting a cyclist, but suffered severe injuries after a speeding bus slammed into his car

The 32-year-old victim had his legs crushed and suffered broken bones, all his teeth were knocked out and severe injuries to his mouth mean he cannot chew solid food.

"For the past year he has managed to survive on just a liquid diet," said Mr Deacon.

"There have been several fund-raising attempts to raise money for an operation known as maxio facial surgery to correct the inside of his mouth."

"But he needs to raise £5000," said Mr Deacon.

Despite making a good recovery, Mr Deacon said his friend of four years had lost a lot of weight and needed the operation urgently.

Mr Deacon, who has difficulty in walking, said he plans to swim 64 lengths at Shipley Swimming Baths on Sunday, April 19.

"It is going to be difficult as I cannot walk very far. But I have to help my friend," he said.

Mr Deacon is looking for sponsors for the event next month.

If you can help or would like to donate money to the cause call for more details on (O1274) 735848.

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