A COMEDIAN is organising a 24-hour show to buy a a wheelchair for a paralysed teenager.

Daniel Woodhouse, from the Stainton area of Middlesbrough, suffers from Morquio's syndrome, a genetic skeletal disease which stunts growth.

But when he had an operation in November to strengthen the bones in his neck the procedure backfired and instead left the bright 15-year-old paralysed from the neck downwards.

Now the teenager, who was expecting to take his GCSEs this summer, can only communicate by lip reading.

Daniel, who used to attend the former Newlands SCJ School, in Middlesbrough, will remain on a ventilator for the rest of his life and will need constant intensive care treatment at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Teesside funnyman Chris McGlade, 39, from Redcar, decided to organise a 24-hour comedy show at the end of September after hearing of the operation. He hopes to meet the £14,000 cost of a new wheelchair which Daniel will be able to operate by moving his head.

Mr McGlade said: "When I met Daniel he was smiling all the time. When I found out that he had had this operation that had gone totally wrong, I made it my mission to help him."

Daniel's mother, Sue, said that her family, including husband Anthony, son Richard, 18 and daughters Sarah, 24, and Philippa, 21, wished that Daniel had never had the operation. But she said that her son was stable and remained very positive about the future.

"He's as bright as a button, and loves his maths and business studies. He will make the best of it all. He has that kind of character."

Mr McGlade is looking for acts, including singers, bands and comedians, to perform at the charity event, which he plans to hold at the West Two Comedy Club, in Redcar, in September.

Anyone interested in taking part or donating money should contact Mark Guidery at Zoe's Place at Normanby, Middlesbrough, on (01642) 457985.