Injured John's bike safety plea

John Honeysett, of Buxton Drive, was lucky to escape with his life when he fell off his bike while riding ramps at the Bexhill Down skate park.

He landed on his head and cracked his skull on the hard concrete.

The 12-year-old was taken to the Conquest Hospital where his condition was diagnosed.

He has since been released, but is required to return for regular check-ups. Doctors have told him he will not be able to ride his beloved bike for a minimum of one month and when he does ride again it will have to be in a full-face helmet.

John's mother, Julie, says it should serve as warning to youngsters and parents.

She said: "He's very lucky to be alive. I think it makes a point about the importance of wearing safety helmets.

"I didn't think of it when he left the house. He has one, but doesn't use it. I think it's an image thing, with boys especially - they don't think it's cool to wear a helmet and don't want to get the mickey taken out of them. Well, better to have the mickey taken out of you than end up with a fractured skull.

"He (John) looked much worse. Some of the swelling has gone down now, but it was very painful. It can be a very serious injury. It has made me more aware and hopefully it will make other people aware that you should wear a helmet when you're riding anything with wheels.

"I will be going to see the council to see if they can put down some rubber matting at the skate park because it's concrete everywhere. I'm certainly not blaming anyone though, it's nobody's fault - except maybe John's for not wearing a helmet. He will be in future though!

"Hopefully the pictures will make people aware of what can happen if you don't wear a helmet.

"We went down to the skate park today and not one of the twenty or so kids was wearing one."

When asked if he would recommend wearing a helmet to other riders and skateboarders, John said: "Yup. Definitely. It really hurt. And it's annoying because you can't ride your bike."