A BUDDING stuntman has been told he may never walk again after breaking his neck rehearsing for a show at a popular theme park.

Jay Young, 22, from Southampton, landed on his head after his partner slipped as they attempted a dangerous backflip routine. He has been left paralysed from the neck down. The former Bitterne Park School pupil’s family have kept a bedside vigil since the accident at Legoland Windsor, praying for good news from doctors that his injuries aren’t as severe as first thought.

An investigation has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive.

Jay’s older brother Lewis, who has worked as a stuntman on the Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean films, told the Daily Echo the injury happened when Jay was practising a pitch back somersault, which involves leaping backward using a partner’s hands as a springboard.

He said: “His partner said he just slipped in the guy’s hands as he went to push and Jay landed on his head.

“The spinal cord isn’t severed but it’s seriously damaged.

"They’re quite hopeful for the mobility coming back in his arms, but they’re not hopeful for his legs.

“It’s going to be absolutely devastating. I’m still numb about it. We’re just hoping for good news.”

Jay is being treated at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital. Lewis added: “Everyone was up there for when he woke up. He’s not in a great state of mind so we’ve all been up there trying to keep his spirits up.

“He was saying what’s the point in living if he can’t use his arms or legs.”

The park was closed when the accident happened on Monday morning.

Lewis told the Daily Echo there are concerns about the safety measures in place for the show, which is run by external entertainment firm SGA Productions.

He claimed the performance area was wet, performers had been given incorrect footwear, and there wasn’t a supervisor overseeing the rehearsals or anyone on hand to help in case anything went wrong.

He added that none of the family had been contacted by SGA since the accident.

A spokeswoman for SGA described the accident as “deeply regrettable”.

She said: “This is an isolated incident in the history of shows and events organised by SGA Productions.

“Only fully trained professionals were employed and all precautions were taken to ensure the highest possible safety levels for both staff and spectators alike.”

A Legoland spokeswoman said safety of staff and visitors is “a number one priority”, and Jay was treated by qualified first aiders before being taken to hospital.

She said: “All external companies and suppliers have to adhere to the park’s rigorous health and safety regulations.

In this instance, all stunts performed at Legoland Windsor are carried out under the close supervision of an SGA stunt director.”

Location of Legoland Windsor