Albion fans have been praised for their kindness after raising thousands of pounds for a rival team's player paralysed in a car accident.

The teenager's mother has sent a message of thanks to the supporters, whose money has helped to transform the youngster's life.

Seagulls fans put aside rivalry when they heard of the plight of Jon Robert Collingwood, of Hartlepool United's youth team.

The 16-year-old was confined to a wheelchair after he crawled from the wreckage of a car which landed on its roof in an accident.

He had been a passenger when the vehicle veered off the road and crashed.

He managed to walk a mile for help but later collapsed and has since been paralysed, dashing his hopes of building a career as a footballer.

He had a promising future ahead of him as a goalkeeper.

Albion fans launched their fund-raising drive just weeks after the accident, when they were rivals to Hartlepool in the third division last season.

Hartlepool was amazed when Seagulls fans turned up to an away game with bucket loads of cash.

Since then, Albion's supporters have continued raising money and have collected more than £2,500.

It was one of the largest amounts raised by all the English clubs, which together have collected more than £30,000.

It has helped Jon Robert's family modify their home and install disabled facilities to give the youngster some independence.

The teenager has been able to get specialist treatment at a spinal injuries unit as some of the money helps pay travel costs for the regular 100-mile round trip he has to make to Hexham Hospital in Northumberland.

Jon Robert's mother, Janet, said: "We have been absolutely amazed by the response from the fans, especially as Brighton is so far away.

"It's good to see clubs sticking together like this.

"It has made such a difference to our lives and gives Jon more independence.

"We could not have done so much without this support.

"When it happened we were devastated. Now we are coping. My son is so positive and knowing fans as far away as Brighton are thinking of him is a real boost.

"I can't thank them enough."

Seagulls campaigner and supporter Adrian Newham said: "Jon Robert's story touched our hearts. It is always tragic to hear of any footballer whose career ends in such devastating circumstances, especially one so young."

Tony Millar, Hartlepool's former director of youth and now chief scout, set up the appeal and sent a plea to clubs across England.

He said: "It shows how caring Brighton fans are and what a caring club it is. We have made a lot of friends and built up a link between the two clubs. It's not all about rivalry."