Boy pushed off Tate Modern regains use of his arms and legs and can now speak

19 December 2019, 11:06

The six-year-old boy who was left fighting for his life after being thrown from the viewing platform of the Tate Modern art gallery in London has started to speak and can move his arms and legs, his family has revealed.

In a post on a GoFundMe page, which has raised more than £143,500 for the boy's treatment and rehabilitation, his relatives told of their joy at his remarkable recovery.

The French youngster, who cannot be named due to his age, was attacked by autistic teenager Jonty Bravery, 18, at the tourist attraction on August 4.

In the GoFundMe post, the family said: "We have very good news to share with you. Our little knight begins to speak!

"He pronounces one syllable after another, not all of them, and most of the time we have to guess what he means but it's better and better. It's a wonderful progress!"

The family added the return of movement in his limbs has been a very painful experience for the child.

They said: "He also begins to move his four limbs now. It is very difficult to see it concerning his left arm and hand, but it's really slowly beginning to move.

"However, as he begins to move, sensations come back and he feels more pain, above all during the night, which is very exhausting for everybody, but he is very courageous and we stay strong for him."

In the message to generous supporters, the family thanked everyone who has contributed to the fund and said it gave the boy the best chance at recovery.

The statement added: "Your help makes it possible to offer our son the best rehabilitation, and for us to take care of our little boy everyday, to stay with him as long as he needs with the best doctors and therapists.

"Thank you also to keep us strong with all your kind messages. You can't imagine how much it is helpful."

Bravery admitted a charge of attempted murder earlier in December at the Old Bailey in London and will be sentenced next February.

The full message from the boy's parents

Good evening All,

Tonight I received a new update from our Little Knight’s parents. I wanted to share this with you all as soon as possible...

"Hello everybody,

We have very good news to share with you. Our little knight begins to speak! He pronounces one syllable after another, not all of them, and most of the time we have to guess what he means but it's better and better. It's a wonderful progress!

He still have a full armour of splints, but he also begins to move his four limbs now. It is very difficult to see it concerning his left arm and hand, but it's really slowly beginning to move. However, as he begins to move, sensations come back and he feels more pain, above all during the night, which is very exhausting for everybody, but he is very courageous and we stay strong for him.

Thank you, all of you. We are very grateful for what you are doing for us. Your help makes it possible to offer our son the best rehabilitation, and for us to take care of our little boy everyday, to stay with him as long as he needs with the best doctors and therapists.

Thank you also to keep us strong with all your kind messages. You can't imagine how much it is helpful.

We hope that we will give you other positive updates as soon as possible."

I’m sure you will feel the same in that this is a hugely powerful and emotional update, but so so positive and warming to learn that he is progressing.

Such amazing news. I want to also say another huge thank you once again to each and everyone of you, for every single demonstration of support, every donation and all the love and wishes you have passed onto them.

I have tried to respond to as many messages and emails as I can throughout this campaign, and I apologise if I haven’t quite made it through them all just yet. Thank you all. I know I speak for us all when I say they will continue to be in our thoughts now, over Christmas and into the years to come along their journey.

Vicky Xxx