The tragic accident was compounded by the fact that a heroic holidaymaker from Glasgow, who saved Dean from drowning, may have inadvertently made his injuries worse.

However, after being flown home and operated on at Glasgow’s Southern General Hospital following the incident, Dean is now starting work on his rehabilitation.

Dean’s stepfather Bobby Skelligan told the Evening Telegraph his son has impressed everyone with his determination and positive attitude.

“Dean has been doing really well and has been moved out of the high dependency care ward.

“The doctors have more or less said his legs will not work again, but he’s already got back some movement in his arms and is getting physiotherapy to help with that.

“He’s been out of his bed and moving around in a wheelchair for an hour a day, and has also been trying to feed himself. He’s so determined.”

Bobby said medical staff at the hospital have indicated they expect Dean to be in hospital for another eight months at least.

However, Bobby said Dean’s family — including his mother Elaine, girlfriend Laura and four-year-old daughter Kaela — were dealing well with the situation and doing everything they could to help his recovery.

“Dean has great support and has visitors every day. They have all been really impressed at how well he’s doing.”

He continued, “His mum has been delighted at the way he has handled it all.

“She took it very hard at first but seeing his determination to get better has really helped her cope.”

Before departing on his fateful holiday, Dean had just left his job as a baker with Goodfellow and Steven to pursue a career in the scaffolding industry.

However, despite these career plans having been ended due to the accident, he has been given encouragement from the medics who treated him that he will be able to return to some form of work in the future.

“He has spoken to his consultant who said there was no reason why he would not be able to work, as many people with similar injuries have done it before,” said Bobby.

“He was pretty frightened about it all at first, but he’s just looking to the future now.”

As well as Dean’s recovery bid there has also been progress in efforts to establish a trust fund to help pay for any care he might need in the future.

“We’re just waiting for the bank to confirm all the details and it will be up and running,” said Bobby.

“The first event we will be having for Dean will be a charity disco at the Marquee on October 1 and family friends have lots of things lined up, such as charity football matches and other sponsored events.”

Bobby said no target had been set but the family hoped to raise enough to pay for any equipment or treatment Dean may need in the long term.