Tate Modern incident: Boy thrown from viewing platform ‘making progress’, parents say in update

A boy who was thrown from the Tate Modern viewing platform has made “considerable progress” following his life-changing injuries, his parents have said. In a statement released on Sunday (January 15), the boy, who was six at the time of the incident in 2019, is said to be “delighted” to get back into physical activity as part of his treatment.

The statement, which was posted on a Go Fund Me fundraising page that was set up following the incident, also said that the boy’s sight and memory was improving, as well as making progress in swallowing and breathing.

His parents said: “He is also pursuing orthoptics and his sight is improving further, as is his memory thanks to cognitive remediation sessions with his neuropsychologist. He remembers more and more things he did or was told during the day.”

John Bravery was convicted of attempted murder and jailed in 2020. He was only 17 when he threw the boy, who was visiting London from France, from the 10th floor viewing platform. The child survived but had to undergo round-the-clock treatment until at least 2022 as he had suffered a bleed to the brain and fractures to his spine.

The fundraising page has since raised almost 400,000 euros (£354,000) towards his recovery and the boy’s family said he is “increasingly able to play alone at home and in the hospital”, which they described as a “huge step towards his autonomy”.

His parents added: “We have registered our son for equine therapy and the swimming pool with his specialised educator. And the latter also accompanies him, since the end of October, to judo. She does it very gently and does not let go of an inch on the tatami, of course!

“From time to time we also take him for adapted archery. Our son has always loved sports, he is delighted to do all this!” The family also said his school results were “very positive” as he was able to follow the lessons despite his difficulties.

“Despite the fact that he still has to automate the writing of letters, he nevertheless manages to improve in spelling and to obtain very good marks in dictation, which he is very proud of,” his parents added.