THOUSANDS of people are supporting a semi-paralysed Charlton 50-year-old's bid to get a hospital bed for Christmas.

Scoliosis sufferer Ron Summers, who has one son and three step children, had a fall while at home in Indus Road last month which has left him paralysed from the chest downwards.

News Shopper: Ron Summers

Ever since, his family say he has been at King's College Hospital waiting for a bed at a specialist spinal injury unit so he can begin a rehabilitation programme.

But, with 15 people on the waiting list ahead of him, Mr Summers has been told he may have to wait until February before a place at the specialist Stanmore Hospital in Middlesex can be found.

Now his family say they have been told he will be moved to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, which has no physio or rehab facilities, while he waits for a Stanmore bed.

Wife Sue, 51, explained her husband had suffered from spinal problems all his life, but, following an operation at the Stanmore last January, was left in a lot of pain and has since had problems with balance and walking, which may have led to his fall She said: "He's 15th on the list and it may be the middle to the end of February before he gets in Stanmore.

"My friend on Facebook set up a campaign to try and get him a bed in a spinal injuries unit anywhere in the country basically."

News Shopper: Ron Summers and wife Sue

So far, more than 1,300 people have flocked to the 'Get Ron a bed!' Facebook group and many others have been sending messages of support via Twitter.

But, despite being grateful for the support, Mrs Summers said the delays have been affecting her husband, along with the whole family.

She said: "He's been very depressed and down, knowing he could be stuck in Queen Elizabeth Hospital with no facilities to deal with his injury.

"He's in pain with his back still, he's got no movement from his chest down at all.

"The rehab will get him used to being in a wheelchair."

She added: "It's really stressful. It's bad enough what's happened to him.

"We're at our wits end in terms of what we can do."

A spokeswoman for King’s College Hospital said: "King’s is a major centre for the treatment of spinal injuries.

"We want to make sure our patients receive the best care possible, in the setting that most suits their needs.

"Patients with spinal injuries who no longer require specialist neurosurgical input at King’s are fully assessed prior to discharge.

"They are then transferred to their  local hospital for their ongoing care and specialist rehabilitation centre, depending on the severity of their condition.

"All patients continue to be assessed on a daily basis and care plans are adjusted accordingly.

"Following a review last week, it has been agreed that Mr Summers will remain under the supervision of the clinical staff here at King’s while he awaits a place at specialist rehabilitation centre.

"We have kept Mr Summers and his family fully informed about his treatment plan."