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Dad Shows Pictures Of Hospitalised Son To Demonstrate Importance Of Wearing A Helmet

Dad Shows Pictures Of Hospitalised Son To Demonstrate Importance Of Wearing A Helmet

#NoHelmetNoRide

Michael Minay

Michael Minay

We're all told from an early age that wearing a helmet is one of the most sensible things to do whilst riding a bike. But how many of us actually follow through on that?

Let's face it, in a world of slicked-back, nicely-coiffed, product-doused hairstyles, a helmet is the last thing we want to wear.

Plus, no matter what the colour, or shape, they aren't the coolest of accessories. But wearing one may just save your life.

Credit: PA

Dale Percival has shared pictures of his son, Jude, lying in hospital - the horrifying images depict the young man wearing a neck brace, following a bike crash in which he was not wearing a helmet.

The 12-year-old was rushed into A+E after a friend accidentally cut in front of him, sending him flying over the handlebars of his bike.

Understandably, his dad has now called for the law to be changed so that wearing a helmet is compulsory.

The schoolboy, and talented footballer, was treated by a team of medics, who cut off his clothes, inserted tubes into his body and battled to save him.

Credit: Dale Percival

Thankfully, despite his brain injury, his condition began to improve and he was eventually moved to the neurological ward at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Dale says he has 'failed' as a parent for not ensuring that Jude went out without his safety gear on.

He told Mirror Online: "I know that it's not cool to wear a helmet as a kid or a teenager, but the pictures of Jude fighting for his life are a lot less cool.

"What I'd say to teenage lads is wear them when you are racing about and when you stop, take them off and hang them on your handle bars, because that one time you make a mistake might be the last time you ever ride a bike."

Credit: Dale Percival

It's estimated Jude was travelling around his hometown of Sunderland at around 20mph with his mates on Saturday evening.

He hit the ground so hard during the accident that his eyes rolled back and he began fitting. A pal phoned his mum, who was with Jude's parents, and Dale raced to the scene.

"As I pulled up, I saw my son face down and lifeless," Dale said. "I thought he was dead, the kids who were with him screaming and in shock.

"Watching my son get cut from his clothes and having tubes and IVs put in was the most scary thing I've ever seen," Dale added.

Credit: Dale Percival

He continued: "The head neurologist said Jude has been a very, very lucky boy to not have serious brain damage or even be dead.

"It has taken my son to nearly lose his life to realise that I failed him as a parent. I should have protected my son like I always would and made sure he wore a helmet when out on his bike.

"Just like I wouldn't let him spar at boxing without a gum shield and head guard, I shouldn't let him ride without a helmet."

Credit: Dale Percival

Dale has also taken to social media to promote his campaign #NoHelmetNoRide, stating in one post: "It should be law to wear one [a helmet] IMO and I wouldn't want any parent to go through what we have in the last 24 hours."

In another post, Dale wrote: "He [Jude] will now be grounded till he is 75 and wrapped in cotton wool because his Mam and me have aged 15 years in the last 24 hours."

According to current UK law, helmets do not have to be worn for bicycles but it is a legal requirement for moped and motorcycle users.

The helmets must meet the British standard and carry the BSI Kitemark, or carry the European equivalent.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: newcastle, law