‘NERVE-RACKING’ summed up the experience of a Forest mother who watched her son with severe brain injuries attempt a charity swing.

Pam Bendall was among the crowd of family and friends of Tom Bendall watching him jump off a 245ft high swing at the National Diving Centre for The Lodge, Chepstow rehabilitation home in Tutshill.

But he did it – despite struggling to get hold of the ‘rip cord’.

She said: “Tom’s swing went really well. It was quite nerve-racking as it was quite hard for him to get hold of the ‘rip cord’ to release the swing and we were all watching and waiting.

“It was lovely to have a good crowd of family and friends to cheer him on. The fundraising has gone really well and is now well over his target of £2,000.”

The Review told the story last month of Tom who doctors believed wouldn’t walk again after the then 19-year-old was hit by a car late at night in Aylburton in 1998.

In the last two years, with the help of extra physiotherapy and his personal gym trainer Dan Hines, his progress has improved tremendously.

His mum, Pam said: “This is just another example of how proud Tom makes me feel. Since going to the gym in Chepstow with Dan he wanted something to work towards and decided to raise money for The Lodge, Chepstow rehabilitation home in Tutshill, where he has lived since 2011.

“He has exceeded his £2,000 target which will probably be spent on a piece of gym equipment.”

Donations can be given to Pam by emailing [email protected]