A Silsden teenager paralysed in a rugby accident has joined a family friend in taking part in a sponsored diet.

Nathan Cubitt, 18, broke his neck playing rugby in November 2011 and uses a motorised wheelchair. He is dieting alongside Mark Dunstan, 43, who organises events to help pay for Nathan’s ongoing care costs.

Mr Dunstan has previously suffered his own major physical trauma. He broke his back six years ago in a sledging accident, though he has since recovered.

He and Nathan are seeking pledges now in return for their weight loss efforts, with the money going towards the Nathan Cubitt Trust.

Mr Dunstan, who lives in Skipton, said: “I’m 19 stone 8lbs at the moment. The diet was my idea, because I need to lose weight, and I know Nathan has been told he needs to lose some of the weight he put on after his accident.

“Not only will it make him feel better, but I’m aware he wants to take part in wheelchair rugby and this will mean he can be more manoeuvrable.”

Mr Dunstan’s own target is to reach 17 stone.

He said as Nathan (left) cannot do much physical exercise, he was keen for people to provide tips and suggestions about how he can diet effectively.

The pair have even received some helpful advice from television chefs David Myers and Simon King, more commonly known as the Hairy Bikers.

Mr Dunstan and Nathan aim to find out how successful their diet has been on May 25 next year, when they will both be weighed at the fundraising Tag Rugby event at Keighley Rugby Union Football Club.

People can pledge financial support for their sponsored diet by either e-mailing nathantagrugby@gmail.com or by leaving details on the Nathan Cubitt Trust Facebook page.