Victorian tradie Cameron Wales left partially quadriplegic after horror accident in Florence, Italy, turns dream European trip to tragedy

A dream European holiday has turned to tragedy for a young Aussie tradie who has been left partially quadriplegic after a horror accident at a hotel in Italy. 

Cameron Wales, 21, from Mount Waverley in Victoria, was on a trek through Europe with his two cousins when he dived into a shallow pool at his hostel in Florence, Italy, on July 15.

Mr Wales, the brother of AFLW stars Lucy and Stephanie Wales, was rushed to hospital immediately after the incident and is now recovering in the ICU.

Doctors found he had sustained serious spinal damage to his C5 and C6 vertebrae, making him unable to move anything from the waist down, as well as his hands. 

‘Due to his horrific injury the easy-going, friendly 21-year-old is now facing the possibility of not being able to do what he loves most: playing footy, cricket and continuing his career as a carpenter,’ his Aunt Christine Russell wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to help his family pay for his recovery.

Cameron Wales, 21, (right) was in Italy during a far-reaching treck of Europe with family when he dived into a shallow pool at his hostel in Florence, Italy on July 15

Mr Wales, the brother of AFLW stars Lucy and Stephanie Wales, sustained serious spinal damage to his C5 and C6 vertebrae which has made Mr Wales immobile from the waist down

‘Whichever road his recovery takes, we know there is a long and expensive path ahead for Cameron and his family as they work towards him regaining as much independence as possible. 

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‘Cameron is a strong and determined young man and with the love of his mates and family they will inspire him to embark on the arduous and long journey ahead of him. Firstly, to return home to Australia and then to maximise his rehabilitation.’

Doctors have told Mr Wales and his family that he will now suffer from incomplete quadriplegia, known as tetraplegia.

This means that his mobility will be strictly limited to his torso, head and arms.

Mr Wales is now in the early stages of recovery after already undergoing a significant surgery with his family rushing to Italy to be by his side. 

His parents, John and Caroline, and brother Brendan are all now in Florence while his footy star sisters, who play for Hawthorn and Essendon, will make the trip in coming days. 

So far almost $200,000 has been donated in two days to help Mr Wales’ recovery. 

Several significant donations have rolled in from local sports clubs, including $6,000 from Syndal Cricket Club and $1,000 from St Pauls Cricket Club.

Messages of support have also come in form from Melbourne Demons AFL stars Max Gawn and Christian Petracca, who play for his favourite team.

Mr Wales had previously told family of his plans to travel to the UK for job opportunities after returning from his vacation.

His parents (pictured) and brother are now in Italy with him, and his sisters will be there soon as his aunt organises a GoFundMe for his long recovery