A MAN has thanked the airborne medics who flew to his aid after he fell from a roof in the Lake District.

Charlie Tickell, from Windermere, was re-roofing a cottage near Bowland Bridge on October 21 when he slipped on some wet slate and fell on to a stone wall below.

Fearful that the 61-year-old had broken his back, a workmate called the emergency services and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) landed in a field nearby.

Mr Tickell said: “When I heard rotor blades, I knew the air ambulance had been called and it could be serious.

“It’s one of those things, you’re aware of the air ambulance but you don’t think you’ll ever need it – you never think it’s going to be you. It could have been life-threatening, I was very lucky. I am full of praise for the service; I can’t thank them enough for all their care.”

Mr Tickell was airlifted to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary with broken ribs, and although still recovering, he hopes to soon return to work at the same building firm where he has spent nearly three decades.

He said: “After my experience I’d encourage everyone to support the charity. They do an amazing job, they’re very special people.”

The Pride of Cumbria aircraft has been saving lives in Cumbria since 2004. If you would like to support the aircraft, which is based at Langwathby, near Penrith, visit www.greatnorth-airambulance.co.uk