NO one could argue with any justification that Mark Noel has not done his best to forge a life for himself following a devastating car crash which left him paralysed.

He has battled valiantly to overcome numerous physical hurdles after breaking his neck in four places and being close to death 18 months ago.

He eventually reached the point at which he was able to move into a council-owned bungalow, having spent his savings to pay for necessary improvements.

It is a heartbreaking, yet inspiring story, and he has achieved far more than many would have expected.

But what he desperately needs now is a simple shower – and that is proving sadly out of reach in Britain 2009.

Mr Noel, who lives in St Helen Auckland, in County Durham, relies on 24- hour care.

Without a shower in his bungalow, he has to be washed by carers and he keeps his head shaved because he cannot run water through his hair.

It is a degrading situation for someone who deserves so much better from society.

We understand the financial limitations facing Durham County Council, which has explained that Disabled Facilities Grants are means-tested and prioritised.

There is only so much money to go round – and there are deemed to be more deserving cases than a man who can only move his head, and has to operate his wheelchair with his chin.

We appreciate the council’s stance that it would like to do more “in an ideal world”.

But if Mark Noel is not considered a priority, something must surely be badly wrong.