Paralysed parachutist’s joy at being reunited with life saving pal at The Sun’s glittering Millies awards ceremony
Cpl Rob Bugden says he wouldn't be alive today without Sgt Adam Threlfall after plummeting 800ft during jump
A PARALYSED parachutist has hailed his pal a "hero" for saving his life - after the pair were reunited at The Sun's Millie's.
Cpl Rob Bugden, 31, plummeted 800ft to the ground at more than 50mph when his parachute got tangled with another jumper after a terrifying mid-air collision.
Jump instructor Sgt Adam Threlfall, 35, watched on from above but skilfully landed beside unconscious Cpl Bugden and gave first aid which saved his life.
Sgt Threlfall, of RAF Airborne Delivery Wing, was reunited with Cpl Bugden for the first time since January's incredible exploits as he picked up the Hero At Home ward.
Tearful Cpl Bugden said: "I wouldn't be alive without Adam. I owe him everything.
I wouldn't be alive without Adam. I owe him everything.
Cpl Rob Bugden
Disaster struck on his final jump during three weeks of training in California.
After leaping out at 1,200ft he became caught up with Capt Brook Stebbings, 27, at 800ft.
They were falling at speeds between 50mph and 60mph as they hurtled to earth.
The pair landed 400m away from the drop zone and any rescue services.
Cpl Bugden said: "We became entangled and I hit my head on Brooks' knee and was knocked out.
"That was when the s**t hit the fan and the next thing I know I am in hospital.
"But Adam saw what happened and somehow managed to land right next to us.
"He had the presence of mind to take his helmet camera off to give a feed to the rescue teams.
I'm so glad he has been rewarded for what he did. He is my hero.
Cpl Bugden
"He stopped me from trying to move and gave first aid. If Adam hadn't been there I would still be on a ventilator or even not here at all.
"And my mum would be really unhappy.
"Without a shadow of a doubt without Adam I wouldn't be here.
"I'm so glad he has been rewarded for what he did. He is my hero."
Cpl Bugden, who is paralysed and needs a wheelchair, spent eight months in hospital and is receiving treatment at the MoD's rehab centre in Headley Court.
He said: "I fractured, broke or bust all the vertebrae in my neck and severe spinal chord damage. I'm in the s**t but I'm still here.
"But I tell you what, I would do anything to get the chance to do another parachute jump."
The pair spoke for the first time since January after meeting again at The Sun's awards.
Adam, 35, said: "For me, Rob is the real hero. It all happened so quick but the way Rob has battled back is incredible and it means so much to see him again."
A host of stars turned out for The Sun's ninth annual Military Awards.
PM Theresa May, Jeremy Clarkson, Carol Vorderman and Susanna Reid all hailed amazing troops at the glittering bash at London's Guildhall.
Star guest Jamie Vardy said: ''It's been an emotional night.
''I've got friends in the military and there was no way I wasn't going to be here even though I didn't get in until 2am last night after playing.
''We came down today and we're going home tonight but I had to be here.''
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And X Factor winner Matt Terry told The Sun: "It's been amazing to be here.
"I'm such a crybaby so I was in tears hearing some of the stories tonight.
"It's been incredible"
Today Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon hosted a key summit on defeating Islamic State.
Diplomats from 13 countries including US defence secretary Ash Carter were meet to discuss the ongoing mission.
So far the UK has contributed hundreds of troops to train Iraqi and Kurdish forces while RAF jets bomb scores of targets from the skies.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said: “Daesh is being taken on in Eastern Mosul: last week we opened up a second front around Raqqa.
"Daesh is losing ground, finance, and fighters.
“As part of the 68 member Coalition, Britain is playing a leading role, through our airstrikes, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and our training.
“In 2017 we must maintain momentum to deal these terrorists a decisive blow.”