Exclusive
'HE'S MY HERO'

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.

Advertisement
Award Winner Adam Threlfall with best pal Corp Rob Bugden whose life he savedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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.

Advertisement

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.

Corp Rob Bugden poses for a selfie with celebrity Carol Vorderman fresh out of the I'm a Celeb jungleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Advertisement
He also met Prime Minister Theresa May
...And Sir Rod Stewart's wife Penny LancasterCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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.

Advertisement

"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.

Advertisement

"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.

Advertisement

"But I tell you what, I would do anything to get the chance to do another parachute jump."

The paralysed parachutist is asked to pose for the cameras during the night after hearing about his storyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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."

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

''We came down today and we're going home tonight but I had to be here.''

related stories

MAY THE FORCES BE WITH YOU
Theresa May tells our Armed Forces heroes 'you're the best in the world' at The Sun's Millies
THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE
We reveal the courageous men and women honoured for their bravery at annual Sun Military Awards
PM SALUTES YOU
Theresa May thanks Sun readers for their incredible support for our brave military heroes
A MILLIE-ON BUCKS
Carol Vorderman leads the way as Katie Piper, Susanna Reid and Ola Jordan bring glamour at Millies
machibet777.com