A paraglider escaped death when he plunged 72 feet to the ground and broke his neck.

Chris Williams, an experienced paraglider and former RAF pilot from Fairford, was flying over the Alton Barnes White Horse, near Pewsey, on Valentine's Day when he hit a turbulent pocket of wind.

The 58-year-old's paraglider collapsed, and he plummeted to the ground at around 16 miles per hour.

He suffered a broken neck, a collapsed left lung and a fractured pelvis on impact, but miraculously survived.

Reflecting on his lucky escape, Mr Williams said: “I don’t remember the accident at all, the last thing I remember was about five minutes before which I’m grateful for.

“I’m incredibly lucky to be here now and to have survived.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Chris was tended to by his friends and the air ambulance crew.Chris was tended to by his friends and the air ambulance crew. (Image: Chris Williams)

“I’ve broken my neck but I’m incredibly lucky not to have damaged the spinal cord or suffered nerve damage… I got away very lightly.

“I’m unbelievably grateful and lucky that I wasn’t injured more severely because people have died in lesser accidents than this.”

Mr Williams was saved from further harm by the actions of two walkers who happened to be nearby when he crashed.

They acted quickly and grabbed the wing of the paraglider to prevent it blowing away and dragging Mr Williams into further danger.

“People came to help which was really important”, said Mr Williams.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Mr Williams was taken to Southmead Hospital by air ambulance.Mr Williams was taken to Southmead Hospital by air ambulance. (Image: Chris Williams)

“I was lying there unconscious with a broken neck and it’s quite common for pilots to be dragged along the ground by their wing in that situation, which could’ve made things a lot worse.

“They made a huge contribution to keeping me safe… it restores your faith in humanity when complete strangers come and help.”

Mr Williams’ fellow pilots and friends then landed and rushed to help before he was urgently flown to Southmead Hospital, in Bristol, by the Wiltshire air ambulance, which arrived within minutes.

After the accident, Mr Williams spent a week in the hospital’s major trauma centre where he says he “could not have received better care”.

He is now back home with his wife and daughter and is facing three months in a neck brace to allow the bones to heal naturally. If they do so, he will avoid needing surgery.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Chris Williams flying near the White Horse before his accident.Chris Williams flying near the White Horse before his accident. (Image: Chris Williams)

The two walkers have since been identified as Richard and Judith Denning and Mr Williams hopes to meet them soon to thank them for coming to his aid.