A young Irishman who was paralysed in a rugby accident is inspiring huge support with his incredibly positive attitude.

Stuart Mangan (25) cannot move his body below his neck, yet his approach to his catastrophic injury has motivated large numbers of people to help him achieve several new goals he has set for himself.

Despite needing two nurses at all times to help him survive, Stuart is hoping to visit a ski resort in the future as well as resume working in a banking job.

Doctors gave their approval for him to begin living in an apartment this week as he continues to amaze people by his refusal to allow his paralysis to conquer his extraordinary spirit.

His uncle, Denis Mangan, said that his nephew's wonderful attitude had helped to comfort his devastated family and loved ones.

Stuart's family lived in Mount Merrion in Dublin before moving to Fermoy. He was a talented sportsman and a gregarious 'people person'. He gained degrees in law and business and is fluent in five languages. Stuart went to England in recent years and was hired on a fixed-term contract on the trading floor of BNP Paribas bank in London.

On April 5 last, while playing rugby with the Hammersmith and Fulham rugby club in London, he suffered a devastating spinal injury.

The accident has left Stuart totally paralysed from the neck down. He is currently receiving treatment in the Spinal Injury Unit of the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital in Stanmore, north London. He will require 24-hour care for the rest of his life. His uncle, Denis (56), who lives in Bray, said Stuart was determined not to be confined to a nursing home at such a young age and has managed to acquire an apartment in London where he hopes to continue to receive care from health workers. His older brothers, Barry and John, live only a few minutes away.

His parents, Brian and Una, both native Dubliners, are with him in London this week as he seeks to take an important first step to living outside hospital.

At first, he will live between the hospital and the apartment as he strives to rebuild his life.

He is able to use a voice activated computer and telephone in the property.

Stuart has also researched a ski resort that caters for disabled people and is hoping to be able to make a trip there in the future.

His brain was unaffected by the injury and he hopes he will be in a position to resume working in the banking sector.

"Visiting Stu is a real pleasure. There's always some banter and teasing because of his great personality," said his uncle.

As it is estimated that Stuart's care needs will require millions of euro, a massive fundraising effort is getting under way. There have been a number of events already, including a sponsored climb of the Sugarloaf Mountain last Sunday

Those who wish to help can send donations to The Stuart Mangan Trust. A/C No: 17569101. Sort Code: 93-60-81. Address: AIB Bank, Pearse Square, Fermoy, Co. Cork. IBAN: IE63AIBK93608117569101. Swift Code: AIBKIE2D.

Among patrons of the trust is rugby legend Keith Wood.