A FORMER serviceman paralysed from the chest down after a

work game went wrong is suing the Ministry of Defence.

Robert Uren, 24, from West Cornwall, fractured three

vertebrae in his neck when he slipped during an It's a

Knockout-style team event.

The former Royal Air Force senior aircraftman was running to

dive into an inflatable pool to collect a plastic fruit when

the incident happened.

His fractured neck has left him paralysed from the waist

down, unable to walk, confined to a wheelchair and he suffers

severe spasms, which keep him awake at night.

Mr Uren is now taking legal action against the MoD and the

firm which provided the inflatable games – Corporate Leisure

(UK) Ltd.

Mr Uren told the Daily Mirror: "I feel both the MoD and

event organisers were to blame for the way in which they

encouraged me and others to take part in what proved to be a

very dangerous game.

"I'm determined to get on and enjoy myself as best I can,

but I find it hard to come to terms with having sustained my

disability in such a pointless exercise."

The inflatable pool was set up as part of a family education

fun day at RAF High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, three years

ago. After the incident, Mr Uren was medically discharged from

the RAF and he now faces little chance of getting a job in the

future.

Mr Uren, who lives in South Tehidy, near Camborne, with his

two dogs, has been told his condition may even deteriorate with

age.

Mr Uren was paid a lump sum of £201,250 by the Armed Forces

Compensation Scheme (AFCS).

Solicitor Ben Rogers, of London-based Stewarts Law, said the

claim is against the MoD and event organiser Corporate Leisure

(UK) Ltd for negligence and breach of statutory duty.

He said the two entities were "responsible for organising

and supervising what transpired to be a very unsafe game".

Mr Rogers said he believed the claim was worth in excess of

£6 million.

"He has impaired sensation from the nipples down and his

legs are paralysed. The claim is for compensation for Rob's

pain, suffering and loss amenity; loss of congenial employment;

loss of earnings and pension; and for suitable accommodation,

transport, aids and equipment, care, therapies and medical

treatment that he needs for the rest of his life."

A statement from the MoD offered Mr Uren their

sympathies.

"The MoD can confirm that a claim for damages has been

received and is now under consideration," he said.

A spokesman for Corporate Leisure (UK) Ltd said the firm was

unable to comment on proceedings.