Ref. 71975-32THE family of a teenager who cheated death after a motorcycle accident say they can't get home care.

Christopher Pratley, 16, was thrown over the handlebars and onto the roof of an on-coming car before landing on the road during the smash a fortnight ago in Cricklade.

The teenager has been told that he will need to use a wheelchair for the next two months while he recovers.

But mum Liz Pratley, 43, and step-dad, Philip Large, 43, of Parson's Way, Wootton Bassett, say social services won't assign Christopher a carer.

She fears he could have a fall at home and they would not be able to cope in such an emergency.

Christopher, who has now undergone three operations on his injuries, was discharged from Great Western Hospital last week.

He suffered a fractured leg, which needed pinning, and two broken bones in his left arm, for which metal plates had to be inserted and a skin graft carried out. He also needed stitches to a head wound.

The teenager normally lives with his dad, Mike, in Bradenstoke, but he has been unable to return because their mobile home is not suitable for a wheelchair.

Mr Large, who works shifts as a lab technician, said: "Christopher is lucky to be alive after the accident.

"He has been told he will make a full recovery but he needs suitable care. His mum and I are not in a position to offer him that. He needs a qualified carer to look after him properly.

"If he has a fall while I am out at work he will be stuck. There is no way his mum could lift him.

"The hospital arranged for some ramps to be fitted, but we have had nothing in the way of contact from social services. We are extremely angry."

The couple, who also have a four-year-old child to look after, are planning a trip to Cornwall this weekend.

Christopher's dad has agreed to move in to look after him. But Mr Large said the situation is far from ideal. He said: "His dad works shifts so he won't be available some nights then he'll be sleeping during the day."

Now Mrs Pratley, a lettings manager, fears it will only be a matter of time before her son has a fall.

She said: "He is very angry about the accident and he is determined to do things by himself. He insists on using the toilet on his own and I can just about wheel him in there. But if he loses his balance he will fall. Two or three people would be needed to pick him up again.

"All we want is a number to call in the event of anything like that happening. That's not too much to ask."

Mathew Woolford, spokesman for Wiltshire County Council, said he was unable to comment on Christopher's case.

But he added: "We always look sympathetically at any request to provide help with care for someone.

"Such requests are carefully assessed to see if it would be appropriate for us to provide help.

"We also advise people about any other forms of help and support that may be available."

Kevin Shoesmith