Fundraiser to help boy, 15, left with brain damage

Jack Dolan was taken to hospital after jumping off the pier in Margate

A fundraising page has been set up to help the family of a 15-year-old who has been left with brain damage after jumping into the water from Stone Pier in Margate last month.

Jack Dolan had attempted a front flip when jumping off the pier and was taken to King's College Hospital in London on 23 June.

His family has said he is now in a "vegetative state" and has dystonia, a neurological movement disorder.

The fundraiser said his life support would be removed on Wednesday, and more than £7,000 has been raised so far to go towards the family trying to find a home suitable for their son's needs.

A fundraiser has been set up by friends of Jack Dolan's family

The teenager, who has been described as "friendly, loud and outgoing" by loved ones, is currently in a paediatric intensive care unit at King's College Hospital.

His family said his MRI scans show every part of his brain has been severely damaged.

Jack's life expectancy is anything from three weeks to three years, and his family said he would not be able to stay in hospital long-term, and is also not eligible for hospice care.

His step-father Dave Dolan said: “There is no good outcome in all of this – if Jack survives hospital, Lisa [Jack's mum] will have to move house – to disrupt this already destroyed family.

"So essentially, we will bring Jack home, so that he can die."

He said Mrs Dolan currently works in finance, and will give up her job to care for her son.

Mr Dolan said: “At the hospital she is trying to learn from the nurses who care for Jack – so that she can understand what she will need to do to care for him.”

He added: "The public have been amazing – Jack’s crowdfunder has reached £7,000 in just a few days.

"But going forward, we really do need all the money we can get to support Jack."