A TROWBRIDGE mum is stressing the importance of youngsters wearing helmets, after her teenage son was saved from potentially life-changing injuries at Trowbridge Skate Park on Saturday.

Charlie Miles, who turned 14 on Sunday, was on his BMX at the skate park at around 4pm when he accidentally collided with his friend as they came off different ramps, causing both boys to hit the ground heavily.

While Charlie’s friend Connor landed on grass, the Clarendon Academy pupil’s head smacked against the concrete, causing him to go into a seizure - even though he was wearing a helmet.

His mum Shannon praised the passers-by who came to her son’s aid, with one young lad putting him in the recovery position until paramedics arrived, and also stressed how lucky he was that he was wearing a helmet.

“Charlie and his friends regularly go to the skate park and it’s a great facility for them that they absolutely love,” said Mrs Miles. “Unfortunately, he accidentally collided in mid air with his friend as they came off different ramps.

“They both suffered concussion even though they had helmets on, but Charlie hit the concrete and went into a seizure due to the impact. Luckily, there was a lad who knew first aid and manoeuvred him into the recovery position.

“Charlie was choking on his own blood and this lad’s actions helped save his life. An older couple then came along and called for an ambulance while sitting with Charlie.

“His friends rang my daughter, who then called me, and when I got to the skate park the paramedics were there and he had woken up, but he didn’t really know what was going on.”

Charlie was rushed to the Royal United Hospital in Bath, where he underwent a brain scan and was treated for his injuries, which included a broken nose, a chipped tooth and deep cut to his lip.

He spent most of his birthday in the hospital, before being allowed to go home in the evening, and is now recovering at home, with Mrs Miles not expecting him to be fit to return to school until next week at the earliest.

“The paramedics kept saying that it would have been so much worse if he had not been wearing a helmet as he fell backward onto the concrete and hit his head hard,” added Mrs Miles.

“I think helmets are becoming a bit more fashionable, but I’m hoping other kids will learn from this story how important it is to wear one. I think those who were there were shocked by what happened and I’m sure it will make them think twice.

“We also want to thank those who came to help Charlie. I’m very grateful to the lad who did first aid and the couple who called the ambulance and we would like to thank them in person if possible. Young people can get a bad press, but all the kids at the skate park were fantastic.”

Mrs Miles confirmed that Charlie is already talking about going back to the skate park and wants to use his birthday money to buy a new bike. She has asked for those who came to her son’s aid to contact her at shannonpayne1965@hotmail.com