A COUPLE have spoken of the horror fall that critically injured their son -- just as he realised a life long dream to open his own garage.

Self-employed mechanic Wayne Pablo, 35, was watching his dad carry out the finishing touches to the workshop for Wayne Pablo Motor Engineers when he plummeted 30 ft through the roof.

He landed on the concrete floor inside the garage in Feniscliffe Drive, Blackburn, and suffered head injuries, three broken ribs, a punctured lung and a broken collar bone.

Wayne, who has worked as a mechanic for eight years throughout the Blackburn area, was airlifted to the Royal Preston Hospital. His condition was today described as critical but stable.

His mother Jean, 66, said: "He is still heavily sedated but they are going to try to reduce that and bring him round.

"We have to hope and pray there is no permanent damage done. He is a strong lad and if he is determined to do something he will do it.

"I am just praying he comes out from this and says 'Hello mum'. I'm frightened to death that he won't and daren't even think of it."

This is the second time tragedy has struck the family. When Wayne was 19 he was struck down with encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain membranes, which left him unable to look after himself for a year. He has recovered physically from the condition, which can cause paralysis, but continues to take medication to prevent a relapse.

Wayne, who lives with his retired parents in Preston Old Road, Cherry Tree, bought the workshop two months ago.

His dad Raymond, 69, said: "We worked on it until midnight most days. It was his life's dream to have his own garage."

The business opened two weeks ago but Wayne was concerned about a leak in the roof. Last Thursday afternoon Raymond was fixing it when Wayne climbed up to check everything was OK but fell through.

Wayne underwent a four-hour operation to drain a blood clot from his head. Tubes were also fitted to drain a punctured lung.

Raymond, Jean and Wayne's brother and best friend Mark, 36, have visited Wayne every day since the fall.

Raymond and Jean described their 6ft 4in son as "a real character who is well known, loveable and very friendly.

Jean said: "He is single at the moment but whoever he ends up with will be a really lucky girl as he is a real gentleman and a wonderful man."

His friend John Buckley, 44, said: "He is a big man with a big heart. There is nobody who would not like Wayne.

"He rented Feniscowles Garage from me for four years and customers followed him from all over. There were regulars from Blackpool, Fleetwood and even North Wales.

"I have had lots of people stopping me to ask after him."

The telephone at the Pablos' home has not stopped ringing since the accident either.

Jean said: "There are so many people who have called and we are really grateful for all of their support.

"The air ambulance, hospital staff, and PCs Lee McKean and Steve Munro have been especially supportive.

"We are also thankful to the neighbours of the garage and our own neighbours who have helped us."