The health campaigner Russ Ford has expressed joy at returning to Bermuda after undergoing intensive physical rehabilitation therapy in Arizona in the wake of a “horror” fall that left him paralysed from the chest down.

Mr Ford, a former Nurse of the Year, said that he was overwhelmed by the support he had received from the community as fundraising efforts to help him have brought in more than $100,000.

He told The Royal Gazette: “I am feeling pretty good — it is just wonderful to be home.

“It is great to be back, but I am feeling a little bittersweet because they treated me like family in Arizona and the medical care was excellent.

“I am staying at my sister’s house at the moment while my house is being renovated for my medical needs.

“I just really, really want to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to the fund.

“Bermuda is such a generous place and full of so much kind spirit.”

The latest fundraising drive brought in more than $9,000, organisers said.

A money-raising drive at Esso petrol stations across the island and at establishments such as the Speciality Inn in recent weeks has added to the goal of raising $200,000 for Mr Ford’s needs.

JoAnne Dean-Armstrong, a fellow former Nurse of the Year who organised the bucket drive at the gas stations, said: “People have been so generous.

“They just came over and filled up the buckets — nobody had to ask them to.

“The people of Bermuda are so generous.

”All the nurses involved in the fundraising efforts just wanted to help Russ because he has done so much for the people of Bermuda.“

Mr Ford said that he could “feel the love” coming from Bermuda as he underwent intense rehab treatment in the United States.

Money has been rolling in from wellwishers since a GoFundMe drive was launched in March.

Although Mr Ford has medical insurance, his family and friends have set a target of raising $200,000 to help with long-term care, such as the need for a motorised wheelchair.

Mr Ford has said he is determined to go ahead with plans to marry his fiancée, Lynnee Tanner, after returning to the island.

The activist came into the public eye in the 1980s when he campaigned tirelessly for a better understanding of and better care for people dealing with HIV and Aids in Bermuda.

Mr Ford gave talks across the island on the importance of help for people living with HIV.

Mr Ford, who also worked as a probation officer, founded Bermuda’s first hospice, Agape House. The facility still operates as a respite for anyone in need.

• Donations can be made via HSBC account number 010 246971 011