Old schools friends are joining together to raise money for a fellow student who was paralysed for life in an accident in Morocco.

Suzanne Edwards, 25, who lived in Oakfield Road, Ashtead, before moving to West Sussex, was a pupil at Rosebery School in White Horse Drive, Epsom, from 1998-2003, where she met Fiona Seymour - one of the friends now raising money to help her.

Miss Edwards, was working as a surfing instructor in Morocco after finishing university when the railings of her hotel’s balcony gave way in January 2011. She fell, breaking her spine, and suffering extensive spinal cord damage.

Miss Seymour said donations from family and friends and events such as quizzes, walks and marathons, have so far raised more than £29,000 for Miss Edwards and Aspire, a charity for spinal injuries which works closely with her.

On May 12, Miss Seymour, along with fellow ex-Rosebery pupils Claire Weatheritt and Marianne Clayton, and their other friends Emily knight, Stuart Small and Kieran Johnston, will take on their next challenge to raise funds - a 40km walk along the South Downs.

Miss Seymour, 25, from Leatherhead, said: "Suzanne is now expected to be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life as she is paralysed from just above the waist downwards.

"While a terrible accident and a hugely daunting disability, Suzanne has attacked her rehab with great tenacity and came out of hospital a mere four months after she was admitted.

"We are embarking on various fundraising activities to try and ensure Suzanne leads an independent and fulfilling life."

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/Suzanne-Edwards