A DANCER badly injured when he was hit by a lorry says he will have to learn to walk again after having his leg amputated.

Sean Cahill, who is studying at Brighton Academy for performing arts and musical theatre, had to have his right leg amputated below the knee after the accident in Hollingdean Road, Brighton, at 8am on Thursday.

In a post on Instagram, the 20-year-old said he was “grateful” to still be alive and thanked staff at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton for their care.

The Argus: Sean with his friend Isabelle, who started the GoFundMeSean with his friend Isabelle, who started the GoFundMe

Sean wrote: “On Thursday morning I was ran over by a lorry and I very nearly lost my life, but I didn’t!

“And that’s what matters, I’ve had my right leg amputated just below the knee and I’ll have to learn to walk with a prosthetic leg but honestly, I’ve never felt more alive than I do today, I’m so grateful to be here and so thankful for our NHS.

“My journey to walking again starts today and I’m so excited to get back on my feet again, or foot I mean.”

The Argus: Sean with his mum before the accidentSean with his mum before the accident

A Gofundme page has now been set up by Sean’s friends to raise money for therapy and a prosthetic leg to allow him to continue pursuing a career in performing arts.

Despite being started less than three days ago, the fundraiser has already raised more than £10,000.

Close friend Isabelle Sapherson-Moralee, 19, says she set up the page to get Sean a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg that would allow him to continue dancing. She said: “When we hit our first target of £5,000 Sean was over the moon.

“He burst into tears, and he was quite emotional really.

“We want him to have a good prosthetic leg.

“The NHS is amazing, but if he wants to be able to dance as well as he could, we want to get him the best of the best and the NHS funding just wouldn’t be able to cover that.

“He’s danced ever since he was little and, I know I’m biased, but he is amazing. He’s performed in America, and he’s released a couple of songs.

“There is so much talent there and it’s just such a shame he’s had this set back.”

Sean, who is from Wimbourne near Bournemouth, is still in hospital where he is receiving treatment.

Hollingdean Road was closed in both directions while emergency services responded to the accident.

A police spokesman said: “Anybody who witnessed the incident or has dash-cam footage can contact police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Nettle.”

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