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Chris Keogh, 27, landed awkwardly on his neck when he went for a header during a Saturday league match.

The striker's team, AFC Ewell, were winning 2-0 against Merton Social FC on April 14 when the freak accident happened.

The account manager, who was due to start a new job two days later, said: “It is the most pain I have ever been in. I dislocated my neck in three places really high up. If it was one higher I would have died.”

Luckily a junior doctor was playing for opposition side Merton during the match in Surrey and instructed the referee to apply pressure to Chris’ neck until the ambulance arrived.

He said: “I was begging him to move his hands so much but he wouldn’t.

(Image: WAYNE STARR)

“If I had moved my neck I could have done even more damage.”

Avid Chelsea fan Chris was then rushed to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London, where he had a six hour operation as doctors fought to save his life.

Following the operation he remained in intensive care for eight days while his breathing was stabilised.

When he woke up he was told he had a “complete injury” meaning he will never recover.

Thankfully he has retained the use of his head, neck, arms and hands.

(Image: GETTY)

Despite the devastating news Chris, an international politics graduate from the University of Aberystwyth, is not letting it get him down.

He credits his family, friends and loyal girlfriend Daisy Allen, 26, for getting him through the ordeal.

Speaking from his hospital bed on Wednesday, he said: “Mentally I have accepted what has happened and I think I wouldn’t be as strong or as mentally positive without the support from family, friends and the football community.

“Every day I get a message from someone on social media. It has really helped me get through it and I do not think I could have pulled through if I did not have that support.”

Daisy, a fashion designer, met Chris eight years ago in the summer before they started university.

(Image: WAYNE STARR)

She has been an “incredible” support and has kept him positive by planning trips the couple can go on when he gets out of hospital.

Chris, who lives in Redhill, Surrey, said: “Daisy has been incredible. I have had the best hospital care and the best surgeons but she has been there to hold my hand and tell me everything is going to be OK.

“She has been telling me stuff that we are going to do when we get out of here.

“Words can’t describe how amazing she has been.”

Chris now has an ambition to compete as a swimmer at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris when he gets out of hospital.

(Image: NC)

As he recovers from the injury his teammates, family and friends have launched a social media campaign to try to raise him £20,000.

The money will be used to help buy him essential items he needs but aren’t available on the NHS.

As part of this several high profile football stars, including Jose Mourinho and Peter Crouch, have recorded supportive messages for him.

Items the money will pay for include helping him buy a new house because his current one doesn’t have a downstairs toilet.

He will also need a modified car as the one he bought shortly before his accident is not fit for purpose.

More than £11,000 has been raised so far.

To donate visit: https://www.gofundme.com/chriskeogh