THERE is light at the end of the tunnel for an Ipswich father today who suffered a serious back injury after a crash.

THERE is light at the end of the tunnel for an Ipswich father today who suffered a serious back injury after a crash.

Rob Gentry was driving a silver Volkswagen Golf when it was in collision with a white Vauxhall Vectra which was being pursued by police along Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, on Thursday.

Mr Gentry's Golf was badly damaged in the crash and he had to be cut free before he could be taken to Ipswich Hospital, where it was discovered he had a broken back.

Although the outlook seemed bleak at first, today his brother-in-law Shaun Kirk said it appears Mr Gentry has suffered a burst fracture - a type of traumatic spinal injury affecting the vertebrae.

The family understand this is not as serious as it could have been and have their fingers crossed that he will be able to walk again eventually.

Over the weekend, Mr Gentry turned 38 years old and saw his two-year-old son Charlie for the first time since the accident.

Mr Kirk, 39, of Beechcroft Road, said: “It wasn't what you would call a happy birthday but we took Charlie up to see him and he brought him a balloon and a card.

“It was hard because Charlie just wanted to jump on his dad but they enjoyed seeing each other.

“Rob is a bit better now because he is on the right painkillers.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel. The reason they can't operate until Tuesday is because of this fracture as they have to let everything settle down. We are keeping our fingers crossed for the future because you don't know what could happen.”

Residents in Kings Avenue, Ipswich, were woken up about 6.30am on Thursday by a fight involving up to ten people.

When officers arrived soon after, the group dispersed, with a number jumping into a white Vauxhall Vectra.

The car made its way to Woodbridge Road where it was involved in a collision with Mr Gentry's Golf near the Case is Altered pub.

David Mendes, 20, of Orchard Street, Ipswich, has been charged with dangerous driving. He is due to appear before magistrates.

Send your messages of support to Rob Gentry and his family by e-mailing starnews@eveningstar.co.uk or write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.

Messages of support have been flooding in for Mr Gentry, who also has a step-daughter Emily, since the accident.

Rob, I don't know you and I can't imagine what you are going through but I wish you a speedy and full recovery....Andy

Andy Bayford, Nr Woodbridge

Rob, My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope you make a speedy recovery. Just to let you know we are all thinking about you and praying for you. Sylvia Cameron

I can only hope you will recover fast and be able to function the way which you could before. I can't believe you are going to miss your BBQ!!! When I have mine I'll hold a beer up to ya!!! :-)

David B