A former RAF man who was paralysed in an accident during an ‘It’s a Knockout’ style event at RAF High Wycombe is making a £6million compensation claim.
The man, Robert Uren, suffered fractures to his spine in three places which also caused damage to his spinal cord. He was trying to avoid another contestant when he fell during a Health and Fun Day in July 2005.
London’s High Court heard yesterday how Mr Uren, of Camborne, Cornwall, was taking part in a relay event during which services personnel had to dash 45 feet towards an inflatable pool before jumping in to fetch fruit toys from the bottom.
In an attempt to avoid colliding with another participant, Mr Uren, 21 at the time of the incident, slipped and went head first into the shallow pool in what was described as an “uncontrolled dive”.
He is now taking legal action against the Ministry of Defence and the company who organised the event, Corporate Leisure (UK) Ltd. He is seeking compensation for his injuries which have left him wheelchair-bound and only able to move his arms.
His injury solicitor, Sir Geoffrey Nice, made allegations that Mr Uren and the other competitors were “encouraged” to dive into the shallow pool by Corporate Leisure (UK) Ltd, who are based in Calfridus Way, Bracknell.
Both they and the MoD deny liability for Mr Uren’s injuries and are rejecting the claims of negligence.
