Paragliding crash survivor set for twin peak bike challenge (From Free Press Series)

Paragliding crash survivor set for twin peak bike challenge

1:20pm Saturday 31st July 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share

A FORMER paratrooper who suffered horrific injuries in a paragliding accident three years ago is preparing to tackle a 24-hour twin peak challenge in aid of the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Adrian Key, 38 of Little Mill near Usk says he owes his life to paramedics and will ride his mountain bike up two of South Wales' highest peaks to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Mr Key was out with friends on a July afternoon in 2007 on the mountain between Merthyr and Fochriw when the accident happened.

Despite being an experienced paraglider and sky-diver, his parachute didn't open properly and he plunged 100 feet head-first into the hillside at 30 miles per hour, crashing face-first into the hillside.

Paramedic Simon Morgan, from Merthyr, who made his way up the mountain on foot, called for the Sea King helicopter as the terrain was unsuitable for an ambulance.

"I think he would have died before we could have got him to hospital if we tried to carry him by ambulance. It's a miracle he's pulled through," said Mr Morgan.

Mr Key wants to thank the service by cycling up Snowdon and Pen y Fan in 24 hours and has raised £800 to-date.

"I utterly refuse to let my injuries dictate to me that I can't do it," said Mr Key, who works at the Newport-based civil engineering firm Noel Fitzpatrick Ltd.

Mr Keys starts his challenge on Tuesday July 27.

To make a donation go to www.justgiving.com/adrian-key

---

Mr Keys lost the sight in his left eye, suffered a bleed to the brain and broke multiple bones including his jaw, pelvis in two places, both thighs and his right shin-the accident in July also left him dislocating both knees and his right ankle.

His right leg was broken in 50 different places- and surgeons pieced his body back together during 20 hours on the operating table and had 16 pints of blood in transfusions.

• Print
• Email
• Share