PLANS for a specially designed house for John Blower and his family are slowly taking shape.

The community is rallying around the paralysed Northwich Rugby Club prop and businesses have pledged to help build an adapted home for the Winnington man.

A planning application for the custom-built house is to go before Hartford Parish Council and Vale Royal Borough Council shortly, and John Blower Trust chairman Andy Naylor says the group's next fundraising target is to raise enough cash to put down a deposit.

He said: 'It is actually cheaper to build a new house from scratch than customise the one he already owns, so our next target is to secure enough money for the initial deposit on the house.

'We're hoping that the house will be in Hartford, but we now have to wait to see if planning permission is approved.

'It is going to be a family house to enable John to live comfortably with his family and hopefully he will have full access to the house. We also hope that there will be shared living accommodation for his care staff as well.

'But, to enable him to have full access, it will need things like a hoist and a specially adapted bedroom and bathroom, so it will be a massive job.'

A number of companies are already on board for the project. Eric Johnson has agreed to install the electrics at the house, Winnings Kitchens has said it will install the kitchens and bathrooms, and Hankinsons the Builders has agreed to be the consultant for a nominal fee.

Aside from assistance from within the building trade, Andy is still after all the help he can get from the public.

He said: 'What has been raised so far is fantastic, but I would urge anyone who would like to organise any event at all, or even just to give a few pounds, to get in touch.

'John still continues to really impress people with the way he has been coping - he is an inspiration to everyone who comes into contact with him.'

John is making good progress as he battles back from the injury he suffered during a game in December. Three weeks ago he had a revolutionary operation in which a pump was inserted into his back, which will release drugs to help control his muscle spasms.

So far, though John has been unable to return home after the operation, it seems to have been a success.

Doctors hope the operation will allow him to receive physio treatment, which he has so far been unable to undergo because of the spasms.

Andy added: 'He can now sit and talk to people without going into spasm, so it is a massive confidence boost for him.' Anyone who wishes to make a donation to the John Blower Trust or wants to organise a fundraising event can contact Andy Naylor at: The John Blower Trust Fund, 10 Townfield Court, Barnton CW8 4UT. He can also be telephoned on 01606 476200. Cheques should be crossed and made payable to 'NRUFC John Blower Fund'.