Boy thrown from viewing platform at Tate Modern is making 'considerable progress'

Ellen Manning
Updated ·2 min read
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LONDON, Aug. 5, 2019 -- Photo taken on Aug. 4, 2019 shows the exterior of the Tate Modern museum in central London, Britain. According to BBC, a six-year-old boy was thrown five floors from a tenth-floor viewing platform at Tate Modern museum in central London, police said. A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua via Getty Images)
The boy was thrown from a viewing platform at the Tate Modern in 2019. (Getty)

A boy who suffered life-changing injuries when he was thrown from a viewing platform at the Tate Modern has made "considerable progress", his family have said as they thanked wellwishers for their support.

The boy was six when he was thrown from the platform in 2019, causing a bleed to the brain and fractures to his spine.

Jonty Bravery was convicted of attempted murder and jailed in 2020.

In an update posted on a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the family of the boy, who was visiting London from France at the time of the incident, his family said his sight and memory are improving and he is increasingly taking part in sporting activities.

The boy's family posted an update on a GoFundMe page set up to raise funds for him. (GoFundMe)
The boy's family posted an update on a GoFundMe page set up to raise funds for him. (GoFundMe)

They said specialists had recommended "appropriate physical activity" so they had registered him with equine therapy and swimming, as well as judo and adapted archery.

"Our son has always loved sports, he is delighted to do all this!" they wrote.

They also said their "little knight" had made "considerable progress in swallowing and breathing", adding: "He's able to blow out candles again, he hardly makes any more wrong turns when he drinks liquids, and he's starting to keep the rhythm of the songs better."

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They said his memory is improving and he remembers "more and more things he did or was told during the day", while his school results have also been positive.

"He manages to follow in class despite his difficulties, because he is extremely courageous and hardworking."

Jonty Bravery was jailed for life for throwing the child from the platform. (PA)
Jonty Bravery was jailed for life for throwing the child from the platform. (PA)

They said his mobility progress meant he is increasingly able to play alone at home and in the hospital, marking a "huge step towards his autonomy, even if he is still very dependent for very simple daily tasks".

The GoFundMe page, launched to raise funds to ensure the boy receives "gold standard medical care and rehabilitation", has raised more than €395,000 (£350,000).

In their update, the family added: "We sincerely hope that this year will bring us beautiful things, and we once again send you all our best wishes for 2023: that this year grants everyone their share of sweetness and good health.

"Thanks again for all the support you give us. Take care of yourself and those you love."