Jordan was on a romantic European holiday with his girlfriend… but a split decision has left him paralysed and fighting for life as his family beg for help to bring him home

An Australian man has been left paralysed from the waist down following a horrific accident while on a European holiday with his girlfriend.

Jordan Theobald, 29, and his partner Laura Mahoney saved for years for what was supposed to be 'the trip of a lifetime' before it spiralled into a nightmare.

'A jump off the iconic Mostar Bridge in Bosnia left Jordan with a life altering injury,' Ms Mahoney wrote on a GoFundMe page. 

'Upon landing in the water he shattered his T12 vertebrae, leaving him with paralysis of his lower body. He is currently in the ICU after complex surgeries.'

Ms Mahoney said her partner is 'an incredibly active and loving person... he has an adventurous spirit and a passion for surfing and snowboarding'.   

She said the Melbourne man's caring nature draws people to him and he 'is always ready to lend a helping hand' to others.

'Jordan's journey to recovery is just beginning,' she said.

'He has already undergone several blood transfusions and requires additional medication to help stabilise his condition.'

Ms Mahoney said what lies ahead will be 'long and challenging', but that there are already positive signs.

'Following the surgeries, he has been able to wiggle his toes and stand assisted for a few seconds. These small yet significant signs of progress give us hope.'

She wrote that the emotional toll on Jordan and his loved ones is immense, 'but the financial burden is equally overwhelming'.

The cost of medical care and repatriation to Australia will come to more than $100,000, with further expenses expected later. 

'This is a daunting sum, and we cannot face it alone. At this stage we are unsure what, if anything, our travel insurance will cover,' Ms Mahoney wrote.

She said any donation, no matter the size, 'brings Jordan one step closer to the care he needs and the comfort of being surrounded by his loved ones (and) will make a profound difference in his recovery journey'.