Reach for the sky! Shropshire paraglider flying again a year after horror crash

He had misjudged a flight from a sea cliff in San Diego, California, and had crashed into the side of the rock face.

Despite badly damaging his back he managed to cling onto a tiny ledge half way down the 150ft cliff and took the decision to cut himself free from his parachute to save being dragged away.

He clung on for an hour before rescuers were able to reach him.

Once rescued it was discovered that the highly experienced paragliding instructor had broken two lower vertebrae. Surgeons had to use his ribs to fuse his vertebrae together.

Yet, despite the injuries and extensive surgery Mark, now 47, made an incredible recovery.

He was back on his feet within a week and back up in the skies paragliding within six months.

And now Dan, whose Beyone Extreme paragliding school is based in Shropshire, is a member of the UK Paragliding team.

He says his experience proves that, with hard work and determination, everyone can achieve their dreams.

"I was airlifted from the cliff ledge and taken to hospital where I needed rods fitted in place and a metal cage.

"But I was back walking within a week with a brace and determined to get back flying within six months. I achieved this and started back instructing and tandem flying.

"A year on I am back as a member of the UK paragliding team and flying once again abroad." He admitted he has been left with a reminder of his accident.

"I always have back ache but am never in pain," he said. "I know that I am so fortunate to be given the chance to continue to do the wonderful sport of paragliding which has been a major part of my life.

"I am back to the same fitness as was pre accident and hope to be flying for many years to come. If you want something with a little determination and hard work you can achieve your dreams."

Although Mark and his family have moved to run a bed and breakfast establishment in Scotland he retains his Beyond Extreme paragliding school in Shropshire and Mid Wales.