The family and friends of a paralysed RAF parachutist have rallied together and organised a fundraiser, so they can provide him with a disabled minibus.

Corporal Rob Bugden, a physical training instructor in the Royal Air Force, was seriously injured during a parachuting incident in the USA which left him paralysed from the chest down.

He is undergoing care at the Forces' rehabilitation centre at Headley Court, Surrey, and his mother, Deborah Bugden, wants to provide him with a minibus so he can get around.

The coffee morning, held at Penelewey, near Truro, raised £2,038 on the day, which will be added to the £27,000 already raised.

This fantastic achievement makes the goal very achievable, and RAF St Mawgan personnel are planning to raise more funds using their stand at the Royal Cornwall Show this year.

Speaking at the fundraiser, Deborah said: "Thank you all so much for coming and playing such an active part today.

"Unfortunately Rob couldn’t be here today, travel is difficult at the moment and that is one of the reasons we are trying to raise this money.

“I told Rob how much we raised, he got a bit emotional, and like us all totally overwhelmed by the generosity of people who don’t know him.”

Representatives of the RAF, including Flt Lt Owen Crossby, attended to support the family and were touched by the overwhelming response from neighbours, friends and family on the day.

Owen said: "It was a real pleasure and honour to be involved today, not only because it is such a worthy cause, but also because I knew Rob from when I served at RAF Cosford and I’m so glad that his cheery, positive attitude is undiminished despite all he has been through.”

If anyone would like to make a donation to help Rob's cause they can do so on justgiving.com by searching RAF PTI's Row for Rob.