I’ll skydive – after my parachute failed

ASOLDIER who was paralysed for six months after his parachute failed to open properly is to do a skydive to raise money for Southport Hospital.

Adam Langley, now 35, was serving as a paratrooper with the Army in Africa in 2002, when he suffered extensive spinal injuries during a military exercise.

As part of his treatment, he came under the care of Southport Hospital’s spinal care unit.

Adam said: “I was been lucky enough to make a full recovery and live a normal life but I want to help those less fortunate by assisting with funding the centre at Southport.

“Despite being an NHS centre, they rely on funding to provide things such as equipment for the many extra activities that they carry out, such as providing children with spinal injuries facilities to go and participate in sports and social clubs and so on.

“I witnessed first-hand the incredible work they carry out and I really want to give something back.”

Adam, who lives in Up Holland, said the thought of parachuting again terrified him. He added: “Of course I’m scared! “A lot of people think I’m mad – maybe I am – but I’m hoping that my story will inspire people to dig deep and support me. “And surely it can’t happen twice...” The dad-of-two said that he had to get his doctor’s consent for the jump – and at one point he wasn’t sure he would get the okay.

He continued: “I was finally told on Friday that I could do it. So now I have mixed emotions. I’m excited, among other things.”

Adam is hoping to raise £500 for the hospital’s spinal unit – and people have flocked to his JustGiving page to leave well wishes.

Sam Bowring posted: “Good luck big lad. Takes some balls to do that again!”

Natalie Gabriel said: “I’d love to do a parachute jump but haven’t got the bottle! Well done for overcoming that fear of doing it again!”

To sponsor Adam, or to find out more, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/adamlangley3

Adam Langley was paralysed for six months after his parachute failed – and now he will do a skydive to raise money for Southport Hospital’s spinal injuries unit. He is seen with wife Jo and kids Jessica and James