Chivenor rescue boy after rock fall

A BOY is recovering after being knocked unconscious when playing by rocks at a beach in Combe Martin.

Harry Huxtable was airlifted to hospital after falling at Wild Pear Beach on Sunday but he did not suffer any serious injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

FLYING IN: The Sea King helicopter flies into Wild Pear Beach.
ON THE ROCKS: Emergency services attend to Harry Huxtable.
RESCUE MISSION: The scene of the accident at Wild Pear Beach.
WINCHED UP: Harry Huxtable is airlifted from the beach by the RAF Search and Rescue helicopter.
RECOVERING: Harry Huxtable is pictured with Mum Philippa Huxtable and Dad Andrew Huxtable. Picture: Paula Davies 1003-49_01

The 11-year-old had been playing hide and seek with three friends when he fell 12ft onto rocks below at 3pm.

A major rescue operation was launched with retained firefighters, the Air Ambulance and the RAF Search and Rescue helicopter being called to the secluded beach, which is only accessible through a 30 minute walk from Combe Martin village centre.

The rescuers and parents met near the swan emblem at Combe Martin seafront and trekked down to the beach.

Due to suspected spinal injuries, Harry was winched directly from a rock gully and flown to North Devon Hospital by the Chivenor helicopter.

Harry's dad Andrew said: "It was a superbly coordinated rescue effort. You could only get there by boat, walking over a massive hill or by helicopter.

"We are very, very grateful to the people who came to his aid.

"It was a tremendous effort to have about 20 people down there, considering how inaccessible the beach is."

Andrew also praised his son's friend Charlie Doidge who called 999 and adults after the accident saying: "He was an absolute hero on the day."

Harry suffered heavy bruising to his shoulders but returned home from the hospital the next day.

Mum Philippa said: "We are just relieved he is okay.

"But he might have to miss playing rugby for a while."

Harry and his friends are all pupils at Ilfracombe Arts College.

Not only did his pals alert emergency services and parents but they also kept Harry warm until medics arrived.

Charlie's dad Gareth said: "They are very sensible boys. They know what to do in such an event.

"It really hit home to them after the accident, how dangerous it can be and how they should all stick together."

Sgt Martin Seward from Chivenor's 22 Squadron A Flight said: "This was a really good team effort between us and the Devon Air Ambulance."