A firefighter who may never be able to walk again following an accident is “amazed” by the support for a fundraiser set up for him.

Liam Coffill, 25, from Hemel Hempstead, was cycling to Garston Fire Station where he works when he was involved in a collision with a van on Friday, August 18.

Following a six-hour operation at St Mary’s hospital in London, it was determined that Liam has severed his spinal cord and faces life-changing injuries.

Watford Observer: Doctors have told Liam he only has 2-4% chance of ever walking again.Doctors have told Liam he only has 2-4% chance of ever walking again. (Image: Robert Carrington)

Doctors have only given him a 2-4 per cent chance of ever being able to walk again.

Soon after the accident, his friend and colleague Robert Carrington set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for Liam to help with his recovery.

It smashed its original target of £10,000 in 24 hours, reached £20,000 in two days and has now hit £26,000.

Liam thanked everyone for their support and described it as “the biggest thing helping me through this process and will continue to be throughout the road to recovery”.  

Watford Observer: Liam (second from left) with the Garston Fire green watchLiam (second from left) with the Garston Fire green watch (Image: Robert Carrington)

He added: “I'm doing better and feeling stronger and learning more every day, feeling positive and optimistic from all the support that has been shown.

“It feels amazing what an impact lots of people can have when we come together, so thank you.”

The fundraiser was launched by Robert when he realised that Liam would need extensive support when he returned home, which has yet to be determined.

Robert said: “We aren’t sure where the money is going to go to exactly yet, but it is likely it will go to any facilities needed in his home.”

Robert has described the fundraiser as being a “never ending target”.

“I imagine the money will go very quickly," he said. "There will always be new equipment he will need over the years."

Watford Observer: Liam is a keen sportsman and is optimistic about being active again.Liam is a keen sportsman and is optimistic about being active again. (Image: Robert Carrington)

Liam’s mum Elaine, girlfriend Molly, and Robert are all blown away and “deeply grateful” for the donations.

Robert added: “The donations haven’t just come from the fire service, it’s been from strangers too, it’s just phenomenal.”

Despite Liam’s life-changing prognosis, he has been described by Robert as “upbeat and positive”.

“Liam is always optimistic," he continued. "He is up for the fight and wants to get active again.”