Tombstoning

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A DVD warning of the dangers of tombstoning has been launched which shows the possible consequences of the high risk activity and includes the story of a young man who was left paralysed after jumping from a pier.

The project was spearheaded by the Port of Dover Police and was funded by the Dover District Community Safety Partnership.

The hope is that it will deter youngsters from joining the increasing number of people seriously injured, sometimes fatally, each year.

With the help of local schoolchildren who participated in the film, the DVD follows a tombstoning incident and subsequent rescue with the help of Dover Coastguard and the South East Ambulance Service.

Sonny Wells, 23, from Waterlooville, Hampshire, is the young man whose story is told in the film. His accident happened in 2008 in Southsea and in a moving interview he tells of his battle to overcome his devastating injuries. He was at the launch to give his backing to the project.

During the film Sonny, who jumped from a 30ft height into just 3ft of water, said: “I kick myself everyday for doing it.”

His mum Jacqui Ural is also in the film. At the launch she told of the devastating effect on the whole family.