York BMX boy breaks neck

Gavin Wilson was injured when he fell from his mountain bike while riding over a jump at the BMX track at St Nicholas Fields park in Tang Hall. It is thought he may fallen after hitting a log.

Gavin, from Tang Hall, was taken to York District Hospital before being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary.

He underwent a lengthy operation yesterday, when surgeons straightened his neck and inserted metal plates. Today he was in a stable condition.

His mother, Annette Marwood, told the Evening Press of the anxious time she and her family have been going through.

She said: "We are all in a state of shock. We don't know what's going to happen.

"Gavin is in quite high spirits and he has been chatting to us."

Mrs Marwood and her husband, Phil, were today at Gavin's bedside in Leeds.

Liz Watson, headteacher at Burnholme Community College, where Gavin is a pupil, said: "Gavin is a lovely boy and is really intelligent. He is involved in lots of things like swimming and rugby.

"All the staff and children were upset when they heard about his accident. We were very relieved this morning when we heard the operation was successful.

"Lots of the children are writing cards to send him messages of good will. We all wish him a speedy recovery because we want him back here at school."

The figure-of-eight track, which features ramps and obstacles, was built early last year after local youths presented a 250-signature petition to the Friends of St Nicholas Fields, which runs the urban nature park.

Gordon Campbell-Thomas, from the Friends of St Nicholas Fields, said: "I was absolutely devastated when I was told about the extent of his injuries. It is a terrible shame this has happened.

"I have known these lads for years and have seen them grow up."

He said the Friends would be investigating the accident.

He said: " Safety is paramount and we want to make it as safe as possible."

Updated: 11:18 Tuesday, June 26, 2001