From dream holiday to being left unable to walk: Aussie tradie’s life changed forever by one common overseas act

The AFL community has rallied around a young tradie unable to move from the waist down after a trip of a lifetime turned into a holiday hell.

Cameron Wales, 21, the brother of AFLW stars Lucy and Stephanie remains in intensive care in a Florence hospital in Italy with serious spinal injuries following a freak accident earlier this month.

The young carpenter from Melbourne was enjoying a month-long European adventure with his cousins when he dived into a shallow pool at the Florence hostel the group were staying at on July 15.

Mr Wales suffered serious spinal damage to his C5 and C6 vertebrae resulting in incomplete quadriplegia.

It means he’s unable to move from the waist down and his hands.

Cameron Wales (pictured second right with AFLW sisters Lucy and Stephanie and brother Brendan) remains in hospital after a life-changing accident turned his world upside down

Mr Wales’ month-long trip wit his cousins began in London and had plans to return to UK to work once his holiday ended.

The promising Aussie rules player and cricketer instead faces a long road to recovery and an uncertain future.

His parents John and Caroline and brother Brendan have made the mercy dash to Italy to be by his hospital bedside.

His sisters, who play for Hawthorn and Essendon in the AFLW are also expected to travel to Italy in the coming days.

Melbourne Demons AFL stars Max Gawn and Christian Petracca are among those who have sent messages of support to Mr Wales, a diehard Dees fan.

An online fundraiser has been set up by his aunt Christine Russell has raised almost $200,000 in just two days.

‘Due to his horrific injury the easy-going, friendly 21-year-old is now facing the possibility of not being able to do what he loves most: playing footy, cricket and continuing his career as a carpenter,’ the page states.

Cameron (right) had been on a European holiday when tragedy struck. He’s pictured with his cousins in a English pub cheering on the Australian cricket side at the start of the trip

‘Whichever road his recovery takes, we know there is a long and expensive path ahead for Cameron and his family as they work towards him regaining as much independence as possible. 

‘Cameron is a strong and determined young man and with the love of his mates and family they will inspire him to embark on the arduous and long journey ahead of him.’

‘Cameron’s road ahead is challenging and uncertain, but whatever it holds, he will need our support.’

Money raised will go towards Mr Wales’ medical expenses and bringing him back to Australia to begin rehabilitation.

‘The support so far has been absolutely fantastic, with our next goal being to get him back to Australia so he can crack into his rehab,’ his brother Brendan said.

‘Any donation will support this and go a long way in his journey. Cammo always has a smile on his face and loves being around his mates and I know if anyone can get through this it will be him!’

Cameron (pictured) has been inundated with messages of the support from the AFL community

His sisters shared similar pubic appeals.

‘Please consider supporting my brother Cam,’ Lucy posted.

Ms Russell told the Herald Sun that her nephew’s recovery is still in its early days. 

‘This is devastating for Cameron and all those who know and love him,’ she said.

‘Cameron’s family were shocked and devastated at the news, which was only made worse with him being halfway around the world.’

She and the family are grateful for the overwhelming support. ‘

‘Cameron is a strong and determined young man and with the love of his mates and family they will inspire him to embark on the arduous and long journey ahead of him,’ Ms Russell said.

The promising AFL player is the brother of Essendon AFLW star Stephanie Wales (pictured)