Hang-glider, 66, crashed into cliff

Jul 24 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

A 66-YEAR-OLD hang-gliding enthusiast was airlifted to hospital yesterday after crashing into a cliff in west Wirral.

The incident happened around 2.30pm at Wirral Country Park in Thurstaston.

It is thought the man had been attracted to the area because of the promise of good thermals over the cliffs and sea in the hot weather yesterday.

He hit the 70ft cliffs about half way down and at around 30 miles per hour.

The emergency services say the man, who was conscious throughout the rescue, said he was trying to land when he failed to get enough lift out to sea to clear the cliff.

Paramedics treated him at the scene of the crash as they did not want to move him for fear of causing further trauma. He suffered a broken thigh, blood loss from his leg and a suspected broken hip.

Three helicopters were called to the cliffs – both the police and ambulance aircraft as well as “Rescue 122”, a Sea King from RAF Valley in Anglesey.

The RAF crew landed on the cliff top as West Kirby and Flint lifeboats joined the operation.

Dave Henshaw from West Kirby lifeboat said the casualty had 20 years’ experience of the sport.

Mr Henshaw said: “It’s not clear whether it was glider failure or an error of judgement. But he flew into the cliff.”

A spokeswoman for the North West Ambulance Service said they had been called to Station Road in Wirral Country Park at 2.35pm.

She said he had suspected leg and hip injuries and Air-Sea Rescue had airlifted him to Aintree Hospital.

A hospital spokesman said last night: “He is still having ongoing treatment and we are monitoring his progress.”

EARLIER on yesterday, a 15-year-old boy was injured on Little Eye Island, a mile away from Hilbre Island off West Kirby.

Coastguards were called at 2.40pm and West Kirby Lifeboat were called out to rescue the teenager who had a 4cm gash in his foot after cutting it on a piece of glass.

The boy, who had walked to the island with a friend, was taken to West Kirby Sailing Club and then by ambulance to hospital.

liammurphy