Family’s vigil as Para fights for life after crash

Jan 2 2008 Gavin O’Connor, South Wales Echo

A PARATROOPER who served in Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts is fighting for his life after a car crash which left his passenger dead.

Shaun Bowers, 25, of Bank Street, Penygraig, Rhondda, is on a life-support machine in a Surrey hospital after the accident which happened two weeks before Christmas.

The physical training instructor in the Parachute Regiment was driving home from his base in Pirbright at the time and was taken to Frimley Green Hospital after sustaining serious head injuries.

The only passenger in the car was killed.

Friends of Mr Bowers, a father to a young daughter, are praying he recovers.

Mr Bowers played football for local side Turberville Arms in the South Wales Amateur League.

Turberville Arms club spokesman and close friend Kevin Carey said: “There has been a black cloud over the community since the news broke about Shaun. Everyone is praying he will make a good recovery.

“He is just a first-class bloke who is liked and respected by everyone.

“Shaun is the team captain and is totally committed to the side.

“There are plans to transfer him to a London hospital which specialises in head injuries.

“His dad Mike is constantly at his bedside while some of the players have also been to see him.

“Shaun has always wanted to be a winner and we’re praying that he will win this battle.”

Shaun also enjoyed an impressive amateur boxing career winning five Welsh titles with the Rhondda Amateur Boxing Club which he joined as a 14-year-old.

Club trainer Ivor Bartlett said: “Everyone at the club is shocked and saddened over what has happened to Shaun.

“He was very talented, a great competitor in the ring and a real nice person outside it.”

gavin.o’connor@mediawales.co.uk