Family warns of tombstoning dangers

Last Modified: 15 May 2008
Source: ITN

The family of a young man paralysed after he tombstoned from a pier is warning others of the dangers.

The loved ones of Sonny Wells, 20, have released a picture of him lying in a hospital bed in the hope it will save someone else from making the same mistake.

Mr Wells has been told by doctors he will be paralysed from the chest down after he jumped from South Parade Pier in Southsea, Portsmouth at the weekend.

The keen footballer from Waterlooville, Hants, will be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life after he broke his neck in the 30 ft jump.

His mother Jacqui Unal, 42, said: "We want to save somebody else. My son has lost his life in a moment of madness - he was so active.

"If we can stop someone else from tombstoning by releasing this picture then it will be a bonus."

Mr Wells underwent an operation at Southampton General Hospital to stabilise his neck and he has regained some movement in his arms.

His father, Robert Wells, said the former soldier, who served for two years in the Kings Royal Hussars, asked doctors outright if he would walk again and they said no.

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