Christmas 2023: Mum of Calderdale boy left in coma for nine days by horrific accident has important message for parents buying bikes this Christmas
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Little Marli Barnes, from Sowerby Bridge, was catapulted off a bike he had borrowed after it hurtled down a steep hill, sending him smashing into the side of a house.
Thankfully, the elderly couple who live there heard a bang, rushed out to help and rang 999.
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Hide AdThree ambulances arrived, followed by an air ambulance which flew Marli to Leeds General Infirmary.
As reported by the Courier after the accident in September, the five-year-old was in a coma for nine days but amazingly – and despite doctors’ warnings to his family to “prepare for the worst” - he survived.
Now his parents Nikki Barnes and Dean Collinson are urging anyone planning to give a bike or scooter to a child this Christmas to ensure they also gift a safety helmet.
"Where we live, we’ve not seen one child without a helmet since Marli’s accident,” said Nikki.
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Hide Ad“Wearing a helmet might not be a cool look but it could save their life.
"Marli was very lucky. Other children might not be as lucky as him.”
Dean has set up a fundraising page so Marli and his family can hand out helmets to any children that need them.
It has raised more than £130 so far, and they have started giving out the helmets to keep youngsters safe.
To donate to Marli’s fundraiser, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/helmets-from-marli