Groom in coma after wedding night hotel fall

● Investigation under way after man suffers serious injuries on wedding night

A newly-married man is in a coma after falling through a hotel banister on his wedding day.

Chris Mallon’s condition has been described as “critical” after the fall at Macdonald Houstoun House in Uphall, West Lothian. He suffered serious injuries after falling 12ft on to a pavement.

His wife Avril has been keeping a bedside vigil since he was put into the induced coma.

A newly-married groom was fighting for his life in hospital last night after falling through a hotel banister on his wedding night.

Chris Mallon had married bride Avril hours earlier before he suffered major injuries in the fall at Macdonald Houstoun House in Uphall last Friday.

Mr small on has been keeping a bedside vigil after her husband was put in an induced coma at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. “Myself and his family have never left his side and we are just praying and hoping that our love will pull him through. Please keep him in your prayers,” she said.

She said their wedding day went wrong as Mr Mallon took gifts upstairs.

He suffered brain, back, lung and heart injuries after falling 12ft on to a pavement below.

“I can’t believe I am writing this post about my husband my soulmate,” the graphic designer from East Calder wrote on Facebook.

“I just want everyone to know the truth and understand what happened on the night of our wedding.

“Friday was just perfect, we had the most amazing day and night celebrating with our family and friends at the Mcdonald Houston House Hotel.”

The 73-room luxury guesthouse is a popular wedding venue, with the main building dating back to the 16th century.

“At the end of the night after all the guests had left, a member of staff helped Chris to take some gifts and cards up to our honeymoon suite which is in a separate listed building,” said Mrs Mallon. “At the top of the stairs Chris lost his footing and he went to grab the banister and fell.”

She thanked friends and family in another emotional post yesterday.

“Thanks for everyone’s kind words, I wish I could tell you better news. Sadly more bad news that Chris has a significant brain injury significant lung injury and back injury and damage to his heart.

“On top of this he has developed an infection, he is still in an induced coma and critical. Please keep him in your prayers I will keep you all updated.”

The couple have been inundated with messages of support from well-wishers.

A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service confirmed paramedics were called to Macdonald Houstoun House shortly before 2am last Saturday.

He added: “We dispatched two ambulances to the scene, with the first crew arriving at 0204 hours. We transported one male patient in his 50s to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.”

Chris’ fall has been reported to West Lothian Council and is being investigated by the authority’s environmental health team.

A West Lothian Council spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident and an investigation is currently under way in line with health and safety regulations. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

A Macdonald Hotels spokeswoman said: “Our thoughts are with Christopher Mallon and his family.”