GENEROUS supporters have sent dozens of birthday cards to a man who has defied all the odds to reach his 30th birthday after a devastating car crash.

Murray Bass’s sister Jazzily Howett, 30, appealed to well-wishers to send her brother cards for his 30th birthday this June.

He lost touch with many of his friends and is unable to take part in the hobbies he used to love after a devastating car crash nine years ago left him severely brain damaged and reliant on a wheelchair.

The family is delighted with the response to their appeal with more than 80 cards being sent to Murray, who lives in Shoebury.

It is not only cards that have been sent to him - football clubs West Ham and Arsenal have also kindly sending him match day tickets.

However, Jazzily has kept the birthday card appeal a secret from her brother to make his special day even more exciting and a real surprise for him.

Jazzily said: “It’s amazing. When I made the appeal I wanted 100 cards and we are already up to 80 cards.

“I want to fill his room with them so I think we will be able to make that happen.

“I’m not going to tell Murray about them until his birthday.

“The response has been amazing - it almost makes me cry.”

Murray was left severely brain damaged and left in a coma after the crash in Ramsden Heath in August 2009. He was driving his silver MG ZR along Church Road,when he crashed, hitting a wall and a telegraph pole before his car burst into flames.

His family were warned he would not make his 30th birthday but he has proved the medical professionals wrong.

However, he is reliant on a wheelchair and requires care 24 hours a day.

Murray, who used to work at Stock Brook Manor, in Stock, has short term memory loss and can now only move to scratch his nose.

The 29-year-old, a former student at Beauchamps High School, in Wickford, has been left feeling lonely and isolated after losing touch with his friends.

At the time of the crash, Murray was 21 and was an aspiring DJ, angler, guitar and drum player - but he can no longer pursue any of those hobbies.

He also loved going out with friends and going clubbing.

Jazzily is still hoping his friends will get back in touch before the big day on June 13 as it would make a massive difference to Murray.

She said: “People have moved on and I completely understand but if they could give five minutes of their time I would be so grateful.

“He loves his friends and I know he would really like to see them or hear from them.”

To send in your cards and letters before the big day on June 13, address them to 129 Bronte Paths, Stevenage, SG2 0PL - Murray’s dad’s house.

All cards are welcome and appreciated.