Tony T’s Story

They were brilliant. They deserve all the support they get.

Tony Thomas

For Tony Thomas, a week’s holiday in Buxton – in May – with his wife and brother-in-law was meant to be a much-needed break. After a difficult few months, the trip offered quality time with his wife and family members – something the 81-year-old cherishes deeply. As a great lover of the outdoors, Tony expected gentle walks and fresh air, but on what was supposed to be a relaxing Sunday, events took an unexpected and frightening turn.

That morning, Tony, his wife and brother-in-law went for a walk. “I love a challenging route but this one was a bit much for me,” Tony shared. The steep, uneven terrain soon became overwhelming, and their daughter, her husband and her son came to collect them. After lunch with the family, they set off again for what they believed would be a far gentler walk to the stepping stones in Cheedale.

However, as the trail continued, the path narrowed and the ground became very slippery. While navigating a difficult section, Tony suddenly lost his footing. He slipped down a steep bank and fell several metres into the river below.

“It all happened so fast,” Tony recalled. He landed on his back, miraculously avoiding jagged rocks, but the shock of the cold water left him terrified. “I’m not a good swimmer, but I told myself to stay calm.”

His grandson Jervis reacted instantly, sliding down the bank and wading into the water to reach him. “I could feel him tugging on my legs,” Tony said. Seconds later, his daughter joined them, and together they pulled Tony onto a small bank beside the river. Jervis managed to climb back to the path, but Tony and his daughter were stranded below, the slope too steep to climb. His wife could only watch anxiously as they waited for help.

A passerby called 999 and provided a What3Words location, allowing emergency services to pinpoint the scene. The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) was despatched, and due to the terrain, the helicopter landed in a nearby field with the crew continuing on foot. Mountain Rescue arrived first, and together with TAAS they were belayed down the bank to reach Tony.

Despite the seriousness of the fall, Tony was incredibly lucky. He had no broken bones and only minor cuts and bruises, though he lost his hat, rucksack and bank cards to the river. “The belongings didn’t matter,” he said. “I was just grateful to still be here.”

Tony was carefully brought back up to the path using a rigging system, then supported to a waiting land ambulance. After thorough checks at Stockport Hospital, he was discharged later that day.

Back at the holiday home, his children insisted he rest. “My children were very clear. No more adventures for a while!” he said. Now retired from his career as a Telecommunications designer, Tony plans to enjoy safer pursuits, gardening with his wife and singing in his church choir.

His appreciation for the lifesaving charity has only grown since the incident. “They were brilliant,” he said. “They deserve all the support they get.”