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Helmet saves boy's life after horror bike crash
28 Apr
Summary
- A 12-year-old boy survived a severe cycling accident thanks to his helmet.
- He sustained broken facial bones and spinal ligament damage.
- His mother advocates for helmet use, emphasizing its life-saving role.
A young boy narrowly avoided life-altering injuries thanks to his helmet after a severe bicycle accident. Charlie Harper, 12, sustained broken facial bones and damaged spinal ligaments when he fell from his mountain bike near High Rid Reservoir, Greater Manchester, on a Thursday evening. His mother, Jaime Owen, a medical professional, recounted the terrifying video call she received, showing her son covered in blood with a visibly displaced nose.
Following the accident, Charlie spent 48 hours in hospital, undergoing scans at Royal Bolton Hospital and Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. While he suffered a broken nose, fractured cheekbone, neck ligament damage, and multiple cuts, doctors confirmed the helmet's crucial role in preventing more severe outcomes. Owen expressed profound gratitude that her son is expected to make a full recovery.
Inspired by this near-tragedy and a past experience where a unhelmeted cyclist died, Owen has launched a social media campaign called "Get Your Lid On" to promote cycling safety. She aims to ensure a positive outcome from the incident by advocating for protective gear among young cyclists.
