Our Pride of Britain newsletter brings you awards news and inspiring stories - don't miss out! Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A disabled boy meets the paralysed man who gave up his dream of walking again in order to help the youngster take his first steps.

Selfless Dan Black – who was left in a wheelchair by a 2009 cycling accident – has given £20,000 to Brecon Vaughan, five.

The money, raised over the last four years, was supposed to pay for pioneering stem cell treatment that could have helped Dan, 25, get back on his feet.

However, after reading about the plight of Brecon, who suffers from spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, Dan decided the boy had a better chance of walking so handed the money to him instead.

Brecon’s parents have described Dan’s generosity as “phenomenal” and a huge boost towards the £60,000 needed for an operation which will allow their son to walk unaided.

Dan, from Chepstow – the same Welsh town as Brecon – said: “For me, things are not getting better soon.

"I wanted to help someone whose life could get better. If I can help someone to walk, I will. Brecon can walk if he has the surgery.”

Brecon, who uses a walking frame, was born with the rare disease which causes stiffness in his legs.

Before Dan’s gift, the family had managed to raise £11,000 for the US operation.

The boy’s mum Ann, 44, said: “What Dan has done is brilliant. It is a phenomenal gift. He clearly understands the frustrations our son has.”

Dad Rob, also 44, added: “It’s heartbreaking that Brecon can’t play with his friends.

“Dan has taken us well over half way to our target. How do you even start saying thank you for something like that?”

To help Brecon, visit www.justgiving.com/Brecons-SDR-Journey .

We at the Mirror are so impressed with Dan that we have nominated him to be considered for a Mirror Pride of Britain Award. UPDATE: Dan was an award winner at our 2013 Pride of Britain Awards.

You can nominate an unsung hero at prideofbritain.com, email nominate@prideofbritain.com or pick up a form at Lidl.