Woman Reunites with Rescuers After Severe Fall
A woman who had to relearn how to walk following a 130ft (39.6m) fall at a scenic location has expressed her deep gratitude to the rescue teams who saved her life. Leah Matthews, 32, from Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, suffered multiple injuries including broken ribs, pelvis, hip, and foot during the incident last October at Henrhyd Falls in Neath, while visiting with her partner.
Nearly six months after the accident, Leah, who remains on a prolonged recovery journey, met with members of the Mid and West Wales Fire Service, Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team, and the Welsh Ambulance Service to personally thank them for their efforts.
If it wasn't for you lot, I wouldn't be here today - your bravery is outstanding,
she told the assembled rescue personnel.
Details of the Incident
Leah and her partner Anthony had gone for a walk with her family's dogs last autumn in Waterfall Country, an area they had previously visited but via a different route. Despite favorable weather conditions and Leah wearing sturdy walking boots, she slipped while attempting to assist one of the dogs. Unaware of the danger ahead, she fell down a large drop concealed by tree branches and foliage.
Anthony immediately responded to her fall and contacted emergency services, initiating a significant rescue operation. Leah had landed in a gorge along the River Llech.
I don't remember being in a lot of pain but I do remember being really, really cold,
Leah recounted during her meeting with the rescue teams.
Paramedics explained that Leah was treated for hypothermia at the scene.
Rescue Operation
The Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team, who were training nearby, responded swiftly to the emergency. Gareth Williams, deputy team leader, noted that the path where Leah fell was considered sturdy.
It's one of these things that Leah was properly dressed, properly equipped and capable of the activities which she was undertaking. Accidents can happen to anyone,
he said.
Andrew Vaughan, Glynneath fire station manager and member of the Mid and West Wales Fire Service rescue team, described the terrain as very steep.
Unfortunately, due to where she was, we were unable to airlift her out due to the length and the wind conditions and the overhanging trees, so winching out wasn't an option,
he explained.
The entire rescue operation lasted approximately six hours. Leah was eventually transported to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where she remained for three weeks. Following this, she spent an additional week at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital recovering from multiple fractures and a punctured lung.
Recovery and Current Condition
After undergoing physiotherapy, Leah is now able to walk with the assistance of a crutch and can drive short distances. However, she continues to experience pain six months after the accident.
Leah, who is mother to nine-year-old Ellis and 15-year-old Summer, shared that she must limit her activity to avoid severe fatigue and pain.
I would really struggle and have to stay in bed for two to three days if I pushed myself too much,
she said.
It's been horrendous - I'm just relying on everybody for everything,
she added.
During the reunion, Leah expressed her appreciation to the rescue teams.
I am alive, I am with my kids and family, so I can't thank them enough. I may have a different way of life now but I am alive,
she said.
Rescuers Reflect on the Incident
Robin Bidgood, a member of the Welsh Ambulance Service's Hazardous Area Response Team, remarked on Leah's survival and recovery.
It is a rare thing that we get to speak to our patients further down the line. So it does close a gap in the storyline,
he said, expressing amazement that Leah was alive and able to communicate with the team.
Future Plans
Leah intends to fundraise for the organizations that assisted her once she has fully recovered.
Whatever I can do now just to show how thankful I am and I'll forever be grateful,
she stated.
