A STUNTMAN who fractured his spine and needed open heart surgery after a life-threatening fall while performing at Legoland is fighting for £200,000 in compensation.

Brendan Pollitt was sent hurtling chest first into wooden decking after being thrown from a “Russian swing” at the attraction in July 2017.

The 30-year-old, from Rayleigh, said his heart stopped beating and his life has now been turned “upside down” - now requiring medication for the rest of his life.

Mr Pollitt said: “It’s been four years but I’m still hugely affected by what happened that day.

“I had taken part in stunts shows at Legoland many times before but something went very wrong on this occasion.

“We were using the Russian Swing during a show and I was projected backwards instead of forwards.

“After falling, I had to be resuscitated at the scene as my heart had stopped beating.

“My injuries have been devastating for me. I had always been very fit and healthy, but I knew that this would put an end to my active lifestyle.

“Having to have open heart surgery on more than one occasion was terribly difficult for me to comprehend, and to this day I’m still struggling to come to terms with everything I’ve been through.”

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Mr Pollitt is claiming the compensation against SGA Productions Ltd, which was contracted by Legoland to put on the pirate show.

He added: “My whole life has been turned upside down, but I know I’m extremely lucky to still be here.

“While I can’t turn back the clock and change what’s happened, I feel that this was an accident that could and should have been avoided.”

Richard Geraghty, specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Mr Pollitt, said: “The past few years have been incredibly difficult for Brendan and his family.

“The injuries he sustained that day were life-threatening and have completely changed his life. He has had to learn to live with numerous long term problems.

“Despite the extensive rehabilitation he has received, it seems he will never be able to get back to all of the very impressive physical activities he was involved in prior to the accident.

“Hopefully SGA Productions Limited and their lawyers will work with us to ensure Brendan’s case can be resolved.

“In the meantime, we’ll continue to support him through his recovery.”

SGA Productions were contacted for comment.