A paragliding instructor who fell 1,500m (5,000ft) has opened an exhibition of his paintings that he describes as a "love letter to being alive". Jonny Fox from Brighton had been competing in the British Paragliding Championships in September 2023 when he had his accident. The display at The Crypt Gallery in Seaford is entitled Back Story and showcases the 50-year-old's determination to stand for long enough to create landscape oil paintings, which he says aided his recovery. "After my accident my world shrank immeasurably," he said. "My thoughts were not more than five minutes into the future, and painting has just opened up everything again to me." Jonny was paragliding in northern Spain when he ran into trouble, falling to the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. He lay on the forest floor unable to move. "I don't know if it was the amount of adrenaline that had just been pumped into my body, but I knew that life, nature, the mountain and the forest had me, and that my friends and other pilots were going to be looking for me," he added. The RAF civil servant recalls having a "really good start" in the race, gaining height alongside two vultures. "I was enjoying flying with the birds, then all of a sudden I experienced the most violent air I've ever been in," he said. "The paraglider just folded up like a bag of washing," sending him into an "accelerating spiral dive". He deployed his reserve parachute before experiencing another area of turbulent wind. "That was the first moment I was a bit scared," he said. Crashing through trees, which only broke his fall for a "microsecond" he fell the final 15m (49ft) to the ground, fracturing his lower spine. A fragment of bone was also pushed into his spinal canal. Within a few hours he was airlifted out of the forest by Spain's Guardia Civil mountain rescue team, which was documented on Spanish television. During his time in hospital in Spain he said music helped him deal with the trauma of the accident, as well as the operation to attach rods and screws onto his spine. "I listened to the same two albums every morning in hospital," he said, including Elbow's Live at Jodrell Bank. "Every time Elbow played One Day Like This the tears would just start, and I would cry throughout the entire song. "It was better than any of the painkiller drugs they were giving me," he added. On his return to the UK, and with a long wait for NHS physiotherapy, friends, colleagues and the "close knit" paragliding community got in touch to give advice, he explained. Good physiotherapists as well as craniosacral therapy and everything from yoga, acupuncture and hydrotherapy were all transformative, he added. The Charity for Civil Servants also helped fund a series of counselling sessions which helped with post-traumatic episodes, he said. "The RAF has also been incredibly supportive in giving me the time off for my rehab as well as supporting my return to work," he added. But it was his love of landscape painting that had given him an "extra sense of purpose". He had been introduced to the practice by professional Brighton artist Tony Parsons, who Jonny said was "an amazing support and mentor". Eighteen months after his accident he said he can now stand for up to an hour in order to capture landscapes. "I love the excuse of being able to stare at a view without someone thinking you're just crazy," he added. Despite his injuries there had been "so many silver linings" to his accident, said Jonny, "although I wouldn't want to put my friends and family through it again, of course." "I heard a saying that we've all got two lives, and our second life starts when we realise we've actually only got one," he said. "It has been a gift in so many ways and made me realise how precious life is. My Back Story can be seen at theCrypt Gallery, Seaford, until Sunday 20 April. Follow BBC Sussex onFacebook, onX, and onInstagram.Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
'How painting helped me heal after 5,000ft fall'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Paragliding Instructor Shares Recovery Journey Through Art After 5,000-Foot Fall"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Jonny Fox, a paragliding instructor from Brighton, has opened an exhibition titled 'Back Story' at The Crypt Gallery in Seaford, featuring his landscape oil paintings. The exhibition is a testament to his journey of recovery following a harrowing accident during the British Paragliding Championships in September 2023, where he fell 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) in northern Spain. Jonny described the paintings as a 'love letter to being alive,' expressing that the act of painting has significantly aided his recovery process. After the accident, he felt his world had become limited, with his thoughts only extending five minutes into the future. However, painting helped him rediscover a sense of purpose and connection to the world around him, allowing him to stand for longer periods to create his art. He recalls the moment of his fall, which was triggered by turbulent winds, leading to a crash that fractured his lower spine and left him immobilized on the forest floor, awaiting rescue by the Guardia Civil mountain rescue team.
In the aftermath of the accident, Jonny faced a long recovery journey that involved not only physical rehabilitation but also emotional support. He found solace in music during his hospital stay, particularly with songs from Elbow, which helped him cope with the trauma and pain. Upon returning to the UK, he received extensive support from friends, colleagues, and the paragliding community, which provided valuable advice and encouragement for his rehabilitation. Various therapies, including physiotherapy, craniosacral therapy, and yoga, played a crucial role in his recovery. Additionally, the Charity for Civil Servants funded counseling sessions to help him manage post-traumatic stress. Jonny acknowledges the support he received from the RAF, which allowed him time off for recovery. Now, eighteen months post-accident, he can stand for up to an hour to paint, and he reflects on the positive aspects that emerged from his experience. He emphasizes the importance of life and the lessons learned, stating that his accident has been a gift in many ways, despite the hardships it brought to his loved ones.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the inspiring story of Jonny Fox, a paragliding instructor who survived a severe accident and found solace in painting. This narrative not only serves to document his physical recovery but also emphasizes the therapeutic nature of art in overcoming trauma. The exhibition of his paintings, described as a "love letter to being alive," brings attention to both his personal journey and the broader implications of art as a healing tool.
Purpose of the Publication
The aim of this article is to showcase Jonny Fox's resilience and the transformative power of art in the face of adversity. By focusing on Fox's experience, the article encourages readers to appreciate life and the healing processes that art can provide. The narrative serves to inspire individuals who might be facing their own challenges, reinforcing the idea that creativity can lead to recovery.
Public Perception
This story is likely to create a positive perception of both the individual and the broader community of artists and paragliders. It emphasizes themes of survival, creativity, and the human spirit's ability to overcome. The article may also evoke feelings of empathy and encouragement among readers, particularly those who have faced similar life-altering experiences.
Potential Concealment
While the article primarily focuses on the uplifting aspects of Fox's journey, it may downplay the serious nature of his injuries and the ongoing challenges he might face in recovery. By concentrating on the positive outcomes, there is a risk of oversimplifying the complexity of trauma and healing.
Manipulative Elements
The article contains a low level of manipulative content. It utilizes emotional language and vivid imagery to draw readers in, making them more receptive to the message of hope and resilience. The storytelling technique may lead readers to idealize Fox's experience without fully grasping the hardships involved.
Truthfulness of the Content
The details provided in this article appear to be accurate, particularly regarding Fox's accident and the subsequent recovery process. The inclusion of specific facts, such as the height of his fall and the nature of his injuries, lends credibility to the narrative. Furthermore, the personal quotes from Fox add authenticity to the account.
Community Targeting
This story resonates particularly with communities involved in outdoor sports, art therapy, and those interested in personal recovery narratives. It may attract support from artists and individuals who value the therapeutic aspects of creative expression.
Economic and Political Implications
In terms of broader societal impact, this story may encourage investment in the arts and mental health resources, especially as more individuals seek healing through creative outlets. It may also foster discussions around safety measures in extreme sports, potentially influencing policy changes.
Global Context
Although this specific incident may not have direct implications on global power dynamics, it reflects larger trends in society regarding mental health awareness and the importance of personal narratives in healing. It aligns with current discussions around emotional well-being and the role of creativity in recovery.
Artificial Intelligence Involvement
There is no clear indication that AI was employed in the writing of this article. However, AI models designed for content creation could have influenced the structure and style of the narrative, aiming to engage readers emotionally. If AI were involved, it might have been used to enhance the storytelling by selecting impactful phrases or organizing the information effectively.
Conclusion on Manipulation
While the article promotes a hopeful message, the potential for manipulation lies in the romanticized portrayal of recovery. By focusing on the beauty of art and its role in healing, it might inadvertently obscure the ongoing difficulties faced by trauma survivors. The language used is uplifting but can create unrealistic expectations for those undergoing similar experiences. The article serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of art in personal recovery journeys. Its emotional depth and inspirational message make it an enriching read, but it should be approached with an understanding of the complexities involved in healing.