### Experienced Mountaineer Left Paralysed After Fall on Tryfan
A seasoned climber and devoted father has been left paralysed from the chest down following a fall while hiking in Snowdonia’s rugged mountains. Dave Palmer, aged 64, suffered the life-altering accident on 26 April while climbing the iconic Tryfan peak in north Wales, accompanied by his wife Lindsey, 59, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Palmer, who lives in Glossop and is well-known amongst the local mountaineering community, was preparing for an ambitious trekking expedition to Peru, an adventure he’d been eagerly anticipating. According to his family, Dave had gathered his team in Wales to strengthen their rapport before their South American challenge. But the day took an unimaginable turn when Dave suddenly blacked out and tumbled backwards, plunging approximately 5 metres down the rocky slope.
The severity of the accident became clear almost instantly. His wife, a doctor, and their group quickly scrambled to reach him. Reportedly unconscious after the fall, Dave regained consciousness unsure of the extent of his injuries. He conveyed to his wife that he had lost all feeling in his limbs and was unable to move – a chilling realisation for those present.
Mountain rescue services responded rapidly, airlifting Dave to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool. On arrival, medical staff diagnosed a broken neck, and he was immediately taken for emergency spinal surgery. After stabilisation, Dave was transferred to The Walton Centre, a respected neuro-rehabilitation facility, where he spent over a month in intensive care battling complications that left him unable to breathe unaided.
His daughter, Tessa Palmer, 26, described the harrowing period following her father’s accident. She explained that beyond the physical injuries, the psychological toll on Dave and the family has been profound. Tessa remarked, “It’s the kind of thing you never expect to happen to someone you love. The reality didn’t truly hit me until I saw him in hospital. It felt utterly surreal and heartbreaking.”
Recovery has been a slow and arduous journey. Suffering from paralysis below his chest and severely weakened breathing muscles, Dave faced weeks relying on a ventilator. Only after intensive rehabilitation did he begin to show signs of progress, reaching small but significant milestones as he fought to regain some independence. Now continuing his rehabilitation at Sheffield’s Princess Royal Spinal Cord Injuries Centre, the determined climber is adapting to his new circumstances with courage and resolve.
The Palmer family has revealed the daunting costs associated with ongoing specialist treatment and necessary adaptations to their home to enable Dave’s eventual return. Tessa has launched a fundraising appeal, noting that everything from essential medical equipment to household modifications comes with a heavy price tag. To further support her father, Tessa and her family are planning to run a marathon, appealing for community support to help shoulder the considerable financial burden.
Tessa shared, “This has been the most traumatising experience for our family, but my dad is showing flickers of his old determination. He’s always been a fighter and that’s helping him now more than ever.”
The story of Dave Palmer’s accident serves as a stark reminder of both the risks inherent in adventurous pursuits and the resilience often shown in the face of life-altering adversity. Friends, family and supporters are rallying behind Dave, inspired by his positive outlook in the aftermath of his devastating injuries.
Anyone wishing to help the Palmers through their challenging transition can find details of their fundraising efforts online, as the family continues to hope and work for Dave’s best possible recovery.