A Cumbrian paraglide crash survivor has said his accident will not stop him pursuing his passion.
Nigel Cooper, 56, from Windermere, has opened up about his terror after losing control during a paragliding flight after the wind quickly changed direction.
He was taking time out from his busy life running a B&B in the Lake District in May this year when it happened.
Nigel said: “I am always very busy with the B&B but in my spare time I love to paraglide. I generally have my afternoons free so decided on a sunny day in May that I would go paragliding with the spare time.
“I found a spot in Langdale, and it was a one-hour climb to the top to fly down. The first flight was fine, and I thought I would go back up to do it again and that’s when it happened.”
On Nigel’s second flight, the wind quickly changed direction.
The 56-year-old said: “It wasn’t ideal, but it was a few different contributing factors that led to the accident.
“I flew off the hill, lost control, turned 180 degrees and then smacked into the side of the hill. It all happened so suddenly.”
Nigel said he remembers the flight lasting around 30 seconds at most – but luckily, some walkers had seen him at the top of the fell prior to the flight so he hoped they would realise he hadn’t made it to the bottom.
He added: “I hit my back pretty hard against the side of the hill and although I was struggling to breathe, I knew that I still had mobility so that was a weight off my mind.
“The walkers had realised I was out of sight and that something had happened so the two ladies came to my aid. They called 999 and also for the help of Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team.”
Due to the location of where Nigel had landed, the Great North Air Ambulance Service was also called to assist and was on scene within 30 minutes.
Nigel said: “The GNAAS team administered pain relief and were just amazing and totally in control which made me feel very much at ease.
“The team flew me to Royal Preston Hospital with suspected spinal injuries but luckily, a scan revealed it was broken ribs and a chipped T5. I had a lot of leg pain, too.
“I also had completely crushed my camera which was in my pocket when I fell.”
Nigel stayed in hospital for two days before returning home, where he has since recovered well.
Nigel added: “I am flabbergasted GNAAS is a charity and I think the team is incredible. I am still keen to paraglide and haven’t let the accident take away my passion.”
GNAAS does not receive government funding and therefore needs to raise £7.7m a year to remain operational. During summer, their critical care team experience an increase in call-outs of over 50 per cent.
To support the charity visit: gna.as/donatesummer
