I received this on a paragliding / hanggliding forum last night. The place in question is Devils Dyke near Brighton - it's a very steep 500' ridge. The story reminded me about what's important in life.

 

Dave

 

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Today was a good day for hang gliding at the Dyke.

 

Dave Massie and I were in the paddock looking at a couple of paragliders flying in the strongish wind. We observed a car driving straight downhill from the car park in front of the pub. It was moving slowly but it was obviously going to end up at the bottom of the hill, very soon.

 

Half a dozen pilots started to run after the car to try to prevent what looked like the inevitable! Flashbacks from James Dean in "Rebel without a cause"!

 

I was worried that there could be children in the car having played with hand brakes. As we reached the car and got the doors opened, this sweet old lady was at the wheel, well aware of what she was doing. She was distressed to see the look on our faces as we shouted at her to STOP and we struggled

to push the automatic lever in "park" and crank the hand brake on. She begged us to let her do it, that she had to, that we did not understand...

 

We pulled the keys out, kept all brakes on and forced the lady to retreat to the pub for a cup of tea.

 

Neil Ewins was remarkable in the manner that he dealt with this confused lady called Iris. It turns out that Iris is in great pain, possibly from an incurable condition, and may have tried to drive over the edge of some of our sites several times in the last few days. This was a cry for help and within an hour, Neil was her best help. He agreed with the police to take her back to his place and to look after her until her family can be informed later. The police did not tell the Press and Neil was on the phone to her GP

trying to find out more about her condition. She started to smile again as Neil was reassuring her that something will be done to get her more medical help.

 

If Neil is not into counselling then he really ought to. A very inspiring display of care and humanity. Top man!

 

The only slight injury of the day is from Dave Massie who tried to jump the stile while running to help. The stile won.

 

Iris asked us to thank everyone involved. Let's hope we can give Iris a tandem flight one day.

good one, Dave - quite right - Gio

'Let's hope we can give Iris a tandem flight one day.'

 

FFS! She'll probably wish that you had let her suceed!! ROLMFAO

 

Seriously, nice to hear........it makes a welcome change these days.