'I'll stay by his side' (From Barry And District News)

'I'll stay by his side'

A BARRY dad has vowed to stay by his sick son's bedside until he makes a full recovery from the horrific injuries he suffered in a mystery fall.

Christopher Richmond has kept vigil since his son, also called Christopher, was rushed into University of Hospital Wales on November 22. He had been found unconscious at the bottom of 'birdcage walk' in Broad Street, Barry.

The 19 year old had a fractured skull, brain damage and chest injuries. Although he has now regained consciousness, he is intubated and cannot talk. The extent of his brain damage is not yet known.

His father told the News: "The details surrounding Christopher's accident are very sketchy. All we know is that on that Saturday morning he was found lying unconscious in the road on Broad Street by a friend.

"The police think he fell from the elevated walkway known as the bird cage, opposite Barry train station.

"But the problem is we don't know the circumstances. Christopher is not a big drinker, and it's out of character for him to lark around. There are rumours he was chased or pushed off the walkway, but although police have made extensive inquiries, there are no witnesses. Unless anyone new comes forward, the case will be concluded as an accident."

Since the incident, Christopher has cheated death on four separate occasions.

His left lung has collapsed three times and his right lung collapsed on Christmas Day. And because he suffers with chronic asthma, his condition has been life-threatening.

But Chris' dad says his son is a fighter.

He said: "We have lots to celebrate when he comes home. We haven't had Christmas yet, and Chris' step-sister Layla had a baby boy in December.

He added: "We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to many people.

"The first is Chris' friend Nathan, known as Spud. He was going home from Barry Island and saw cars going around a body lying in the road. He made his taxi pull over and got out. When he saw it was Chris, he called 999 and went with him to the hospital, staying with Chris until we arrived. If he hadn't acted, who knows what would have happened to my son.

"His two other friends, Jason and Wayne, have been a huge help, driving my family in at visiting times. And my brother Howard has been with me every step of the way, sharing the burden.

"I also want to thank the paramedics who kept Chris alive until they got him to hospital, and the doctors and nurses who have fought for him ever since. They keep me informed at all times and they genuinely care about their patients. They are absolutely brilliant."

l Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Richard Williams at Barry CID on 731606.