Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Amelia Shaw & Branwen Jones & Adam May

Man left comatose after 50ft fall while working on pylon now paralysed from waist down

A man has been left paralysed from the waist down after a terrifying 50ft fall while he was working on an electricity pylon.

Gavin Pugh, 34, plunged to the floor during the horrific incident with doctors fearing he wouldn't survive his devastating injuries.

He was left in a coma for two months after being rushed to hospital in Birmingham following the fall in Tamworth, Staffordshire.

Gavin suffered what doctors call a "T8 spinal complete injury".

He has now returned home for the first time where his parents will need to fit the house with specialist equipment in order for him to be able to get around, WalesOnline reports.

His friend, David Jones, 32, now plans to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to raise funds for the project.

Gavin Pugh and David Jones at Gavin's welcome home party on September 24 (North Wales Live)

"Gav is back living with his parents in Wales, but unfortunately they don't have the set-up at home to allow him to live independently," said David.

"So I've challenged myself to raise money to fund the work and equipment needed for him.

"I'm looking to raise as much money as possible by completing the three national peaks challenge with a twist - not only will it be winter, it will also run through Christmas Eve into Christmas Day!

"Anyone is welcome to join me on either mountain, whether it be wind, rain, snow or sunshine - it's getting done."

More than £1,800 has already been raised on the fundraising page, accurate at the time of writing.

David says he will welcome anyone who wants to join him on his journey to Scotland, England and back to Wales.

On the fundraising page five days ago he wrote: "Back in April this year a good friend of mine ended up with life changing injuries after a 50ft fall at work. (He's now paralysed).

"After weeks/months not knowing weather he was going to survive these injuries, we've finally had the go ahead to get him home from hospital (TODAY)!!

"He's moving back in with his parents in Wales, but unfortunately they don't have the set up and home to allow Gav to live independently.

"So I've challenged to myself to raise money to fund work and equipment needed for Gav Pugh I'm looking to raise as much money as possible by completing the three national peaks challenge with a twist not only will it be winter.

"It will also run through Christmas eve into Christmas day! So suit up anyone is welcome to join me on either mountain, weather it be wind rain snow or sunshine it's getting done.

"I will be traveling and completing the mountains solo including the driving.

"If you can help in anyway please let me know and donate what you can. I will leave a link in my bio to a go fund me.

"Let's make Christmas that little bit better."

To donate, press here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.