Darren Fletcher, 26, from Rotherham, will never walk again after breaking his neck while diving into shallow sea during a visit to Cornwall last year.

On May 11 this year team-mates of the former Hull Ionians player raised more than £9,000 during a charity match and luncheon at the club in Brantingham Park at Brough, East Yorkshire, to help Fletcher pay for an electric wheelchair and equipment for his specially-adapted home.

The match featured Yorkshire and England rugby stars past and present.

Darren, who watched the match from the sidelines, said he had been overwhelmed by the support he'd received, and watching his son walk for the first time had been the icing on the cake.

"I've waited for this moment for so long and it was even more amazing that it happened at Ed's first rugby match," he said.

"It just couldn't get any better than that."

Darren said his one regret was not being able to thank everyone who attended and said he hoped to thank them personally soon.

Darren attended the luncheon and rugby match with his wife Lisa, son Edward and family and friends. It was thought that Darren would struggle to attend but wife Lisa, 26, who married Darren in 2005, said his fearless determination and desire to be part of the day kept him motivated.

"Daz wouldn't have missed this day for the world," she said.

"The fact that we were blessed with such great weather and Daz was on full form health wise was a great start to such a memorable day.

"I haven't seen that cheeky smile on his face for some time and I think it's fair to say that was down to all the rugby lads — they really gave him the boost he needed."

Fletch's XV ran out winners on the day beating the Yorkshire Legends 45-36.

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