A FUNDRAISER who almost died after plunging 40ft from a balcony is organising a ball in aid of a charity to help people with spinal injuries.Olly Magnus spent more than two months in an Australian hospital after suffering severe back injuries when he fell from his third floor apartment, almost five years ago.

A FUNDRAISER who almost died after plunging 40ft from a balcony is organising a ball in aid of a charity to help people with spinal injuries.

Olly Magnus spent more than two months in an Australian hospital after suffering severe back injuries when he fell from his third floor apartment, almost five years ago.

The 28-year-old, who works for his father's Magnus Group shipping business, underwent hours of physiotherapy to mend his spine, which was broken in four places.

He now hopes to return the dedication of doctors in saving his life by raising thousands of pounds for the Spinal Injuries Association, as well as the Essex Air Ambulance and Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Mr Magnus, who lives in Raydon, near Hadleigh, said: "It's something I thought about doing when I was lying in hospital as I wanted to put something back into the help I had received.

"I was extremely lucky although I will never be 100 per cent again and I just wanted to raise money for people like myself.

"There's obviously people less fortunate from myself and they would really benefit from the extra funds."

It is now the second year Mr Magnus has organised the ball, which takes place on Saturday, April 13 at Wantisden Valley Farm.

Last year's glittering event raised about £6,500 and organisers are hoping to reap similar funds this year by featuring another auction and raffle during the evening.

Mr Magnus said he decided to raise money for the Essex Ambulance following the death of his friend, Stuart Jarman, two years ago in a water-skiing accident.

The shipping worker and fellow organiser Alison Thomas, who is strongly involved in fund-raising for Macmillan Cancer Relief, are already busy preparing for the charity ball.

Tickets are selling well, however there are still tables available.

Anyone wishing to book tickets for the ball can call Mr Magnus on 07803 48469.