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Pictured in his hospital bed: Man who was left paralysed after tombstoning 'moment of madness'
Last updated at 14:07pm on 17.05.08A family has released a picture of their son lying in a hospital bed paralysed after a "moment of madness" when he 'tombstoned' from a pier.
The loved ones of Sonny Wells, 20, released the image in the hope it would save others 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.
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This picture of Sonny Wells has been released in an effort to stop others from tombstoning
The keen footballer will be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life after he broke his neck in the 30ft 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."
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The 20-year-old had to be dragged from the water unconscious
Mr Wells underwent an operation at Southampton General Hospital to stabilise his neck and he has regained some movement in his arms.
His uncle Gary Wells said: "After the operation he could move his arms so he is very, very lucky.
"They took a bone from his hip to put in his neck.
"They have put in two plates and six pins, and after they took the bits of bone from his vertebrae he managed to get his arms back - but the doctors have told him at the moment he will be paralysed from the chest down.
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He was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital after the incident last weekend
"But who knows what might happen in the future?
"Getting the movement in his arms has lifted his spirits. Last night he was saying 'I'm going to be a boxer'."
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, his father Robert Wells said today.
Sonny Wells was out with friends in Southsea on Sunday when he ripped off his shirt and jumped off the pier - something he has done in the past.
He had to be dragged from the water unconscious and airlifted by helicopter to Southampton General Neurological Unit.
Reader views (1)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
Youthful exuberance and daredo is part of growing up. Para-gliding, abseiling, bungee-jumping, water sports are relatively safe sports offering excitement and an adrenalin rush.
Youths should be encouraged to exercise caution while pursuing dangerous activities. Of course, nothing can prevent that singular moment of madness to which Sonny fell prey.
Sonny's family needs to be commended for releasing his photo's to discourage and prevent similar accidents.
I wish Sonny a speedy recovery. I am praying that a miracle does happen and he is able to walk again.
- Murali Mohan, Maida Vale, London
