A fundraising appeal has raised more than £43,000 after a 23-year-old sustained a traumatic brain injury.
Sam Wheeler, a Ringwood plumber and amateur DJ, sustained the injury in a fall and is now undergoing neurorehabilitation in London.
The “Bring Sam Home” campaign aims to raise £80,000 to adapt his home, buy specialist equipment and help fund long-term care and rehabilitation.
Neurorehabilitation is specialist therapy that supports recovery after injury or illness affecting the brain, spinal cord or nervous system.
Rhi Wheeler, Sam’s sister and lead organiser of the campaign, said: “Every donation, event attendance and shared post continues to make a difference.
“The support from the community has been incredible, and we simply cannot thank everyone enough.
“So many people have gone above and beyond for us, you know what you have done for our family, thank you.”
So far, £43,255 has been raised through community-led events and personal challenges.
These have included quiz nights at The Fish Inn, with more planned at The Cellar and The Railway, alongside other events across the area.
Friends and supporters are also taking on endurance challenges in Sam’s name.
Sam’s sister and a group of friends are preparing to complete the Three Peaks Challenge dressed as Spider-Man to raise funds and awareness.
Ben Cook and David Edmunds will undertake a long-distance run from London to Ringwood.
On June 20, The Elm Tree Tithe Barn will host a drum and bass day rave from 2pm to celebrate Sam’s love of music while fundraising continues.
The campaign has drawn support from residents, local employers and businesses, including Churchill Retirement Living, which is offering to match donations.
Sam’s employer, Cinergi, will take part in a separate Three Peaks Challenge in September.
Sam sustained his injury in September 2025 and required emergency brain surgery.
He has since faced numerous complications, including hydrocephalus and multiple additional surgeries.
Hydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid in the brain, which can increase pressure and require treatment.
Most recently, Sam was diagnosed with a prolonged disorder of consciousness, or PDoC, and transferred to a specialist neurorehabilitation centre in London.
PDoC describes a state where a person has reduced awareness for an extended period after a severe brain injury.
Writing on the campaign website, Rhi said: “Our goal is to bring Sam home to Ringwood.
“But to do this safely, our family home will need significant specialist adaptations and equipment to support him living with a complex neurological injury.
“Every pound raised will go directly towards: essential home adaptations, specialist equipment, and long-term rehabilitation support.”
She described her brother as “full of life”, known for his kindness, “cheeky smile” and love for DJing.
She said: “Sam is only 23 with his whole life ahead of him.
“While we don’t know what his future holds yet, he deserves every possible chance at recovery, surrounded by family and friends.”
Supporters can donate, sponsor or share the campaign at bringsamhome.com.
