Charity bike ride for Jack Dolan from Chatham, who suffered brain damage after being thrown off a pier in Margate

A teenager is planning a 42-mile bike ride to raise money for a boy who suffered brain damage after jumping off a pier in Kent.

Jack Dolan from Chatham was knocked unconscious in June after doing a somersault off the Stone Pier in Margate.

The 15-year-old was flown by helicopter to a London hospital, where doctors later told his mother Lisa and stepfather David that he was brain dead.

After life support was withdrawn, he was placed into end-of-life care and it was planned to transfer him to a hospice.

But the doctors said his body was stronger than expected and such treatment was not suitable for him.

Jack's mother, an NHS worker, gives up her job to care for him full-time.

A JustGiving page – originally set up to fund his funeral – has now raised over £40,000 for home renovations and medical costs.

Jack's family had previously described how heartbreaking it was to watch him “waster away,” but against all expectations, in late July, Jack began moving his arms, feet and face and uttering words.

David said at the time: “He lifts his head like a newborn baby does when it learns to control its head.

“The only thing holding us back at the moment is getting a wheelchair for him. Then we can start hyperbaric oxygen therapy.”

“Lisa is trying medication and food, but he can't go anywhere until he gets the wheelchair.”

Jack was offered the first round of oxygen therapy free of charge, but the next will cost £8,000.

In addition, he will require private physiotherapy, the cost of which is currently unknown.

The Howard School in Rainham, where Jack attended, said life would “never be the same again” after the “very popular student” was injured.

Croyde Lee, who attends the same school, has decided to organize a charity event to show his support and raise money.

The 13-year-old will cycle the 42 miles from Howard School in Derwent Way to Margate on October 5.

He has set a target of £1,000 and donations can be made here.

More than £500 has already been raised.

Croyde said: “When I heard what had happened to Jack and realised he was a local boy, I felt the need to help because his accident had changed his life.

“I thought about doing a charity bike ride because I love my bike and knew Jack does too. And since the accident happened in Margate, I thought the Rainham to Margate route would be a good fit.

“I just want to raise as much as I can to help.”

His mother Jemma says: “Any support would be very welcome.”

As part of a separate fundraiser, a charity boxing match called “Hit Back for Jack” will also be organized for October.

Since the accident, Jack has suffered from heart problems and seizures, as well as a chest infection and a collapsed lung.

Although his family expected the 15-year-old to die from the chest infection, he was able to fight it without medical help – he was even able to re-inflate his lungs himself.