Nearly £20k raised for skydiver who fell 11,000ft

Police say Mitchell Deakin hit the ground "at approximately 35-45mph"

Well-wishers have raised nearly £20,000 for a Lancashire man who survived an 11,000ft (3,350m) fall while skydiving in the United States.

Mitchell Deakin, 25, was severely injured when he hit the ground at an estimated velocity of 35-45mph near Las Vegas. His skydiving instructor, a 54-year-old man, also survived the impact.

Mr Deakin, from Lytham St Annes near Blackpool, was airlifted to hospital after crash-landing in the desert near Jean on 17 September.

Police said his parachute failed to properly open, resulting in him going into a tailspin. An appeal by Mr Deakin's family and friends has so far raised more than £19,600 to help pay his medical bills and eventual flight home to the UK.

Mr Deakin's plane took off from the tiny Jean Airport in Nevada

Las Vegas Police released an incident report of the fall, describing how a fellow instructor watched as both the parachute and a back-up malfunctioned.

Police said the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) responded and was conducting its own official investigation "which will be much more in depth".

The fundraising page was set up by Mr Deakin's girlfriend Isabel Clacher, who said he was recovering in hospital after surgery.

In a further update, Mr Deakin's mother said his chest drain had been removed and he had been able to walk a short distance with the aid of a frame.

She said: "He is really positive, being looked after by an excellent hospital team and is truly grateful for all your kindness, messages, chats and calls."