Tate Modern: Boy thrown from 10th floor making progress

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Tate Modern art galleryImage source, AFP
Image caption,

The boy was attacked at the Tate Modern in August 2019

A young boy who was thrown from the 10th floor of the Tate Modern art gallery has shown "clear improvement" in his sight, his family has said.

The child, then aged six, suffered multiple injuries when he was attacked by Jonty Bravery in August 2019.

Bravery, who has autism, lived in supported accommodation although he was allowed out unsupervised.

A GoFund me page set up for the French boy's treatment and rehabilitation has raised more than €377,000 (£332,000).

The boy, who was on holiday in London with his parents, suffered life-changing injuries in the 100ft (30m) fall, including a bleed on the brain and broken bones.

In an update to the GoFund me page, the boy's family said he had shown improved responsiveness.

They said: "A clear improvement for his sight was noted by his orthoptist who prescribed him new glasses with a much smaller correction: our little knight sees better and better."

The boy can ride a tricycle, while his wardrobe has been adapted to remove buttons and laces so he can dress himself.

The family said that despite the progress he has made, there have been some challenges at school, including "great difficulties with writing and with his memory".

They added: "Sadly, he also has a really hard time making friends because of his fatigue and the wheelchair which prevents him from playing like the other children in the playground."

Image source, Met Police
Image caption,

Jonty Bravery, who was 17 at the time of the attack, admitted attempted murder and was jailed for 15 years

The boy's family have taken steps to improve his mobility, including making a visit to an adapted holiday home for therapy to help train him to walk and going to a swimming pool with a specialised therapist.

They said: "We know the road is still long but our little knight is not giving up.

"His courage and his efforts are just incredible."