Tombstoning: It beggars belief, says mum Kim
Many people are baffled by stories of young people risking their lives by leaping into the sea.
But for mum Kim Appleton, the 'tombstoning' craze beggars belief.
She looks at her son, injured in a freak accident in the sea, and cannot understand why young people would put themselves in such danger in pursuit of thrills.
Already this summer one young man has been paralysed after leaping from South Parade Pier, and in May a 14-year-old suffered spinal injuries after jumping into water in Plymouth.
Mrs Appleton's son Keith now needs help to do even basic things. His life changed forever in an instant.
Last April Keith, 19, was running into the sea with friends when he fell and hit his head in the shallow water, leaving him paralysed from the waist down.
Now he can't move his arms or legs, and is bedridden, in need of constant care.
He cannot eat or drink without help, and does not even know when to eat because he has lost the feeling of hunger since the accident.
Kim, 41, said: 'It was extremely hard. I was devastated. It was just the worst day of my life.
'Before, he was really active and now he can't do anything. The whole family is affected by it all.'
Her message to would-be tombstoners is clear.
'Just stop and think before you do this. Have fun, but stay safe.
'Keith was a very independent young man and he's not any more. We've lost quite a few friends – people avoid me so they don't have to speak to me.'
Kim's life has also dramatically changed. She only leaves the house once a week and even then she has to ensure there is someone around to look after Keith.
Keith's social life has been turned upside down now, as he avoids going out to pubs and nightclubs.
'I can't stand people watching me and feeding me drink. I can't even brush my own teeth,' he said. 'I lost everything just because of that. I have done it like this – just think how easy it is to jump off a pier.'
The council are now planning to build a bungalow for him in the garden, in the family's house, in Ludlow Road in Paulsgrove.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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