Scott Jones 'doing remarkably well' after vicious stabbing

A fundraising effort for Scott Jones, who was left paralyzed from the waist down after being stabbed multiple times in New Glasgow on the weekend, has raised close to $22,000.

The 27-year-old is recovering in a Halifax hospital after he was stabbed in the back twice and his throat was slashed, according to a friend who did not witness the attack but was out with him early Saturday night.

The injury to Jones' throat was superficial but the stabbing severed his spinal cord, leaving him a paraplegic.

People in New Glasgow have organized a trust fund to help cover his expenses

"He's been doing remarkably well," said family friend Amy Punke. "He has his ups and downs, he's still in ICU but stable so we're very grateful for that."

Even famous Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield posted a link to the fundraising page on Facebook.

"Fearful hatred does terrible things," wrote Hadfield.

Friends and family have said they believe Jones was attacked because he's gay. Police have not commented on allegations the attack was motivated by his sexual orientation.

"I talked to him last night and told him I would be here and I asked if he wanted to say anything and he said while this act of violence has happened against him, this horrific thing, he said it's really hard to focus on that with so much positive energy around him," she said.Punke told CBC's Information Morning that her friend is inspired by the "overwhelming" support.

"He still has the spark he always has. Last night we were joking that he had to stop laughing because it was hurting his belly."

Shane Edward Matheson, 19, of Trenton is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace in the case. He appeared briefly in Pictou provincial court on Tuesday and had a bail hearing set for Oct. 31.