About this episode
Rob Bugden shares his harrowing experience of surviving a 900ft fall after a mid-air collision during a parachute training jump.
Growing up in a military family, it was no surprise when Rob Bugden decided to join the RAF. Despite professing that he had no head for heights, he trained to become a parachute instructor – eager to face his fears head-on. Setting off for a routine training jump one fateful day, he had no idea that a terrifying mid-air collision would send him hurtling 900ft to the ground. Miraculously, Rob survived – but with life-changing injuries. Armed with a fantastic family and RAF colleagues, a stubborn streak a mile wide, and an infectious sense of humour, he is facing that challenge inch by inch. Rob talks to Dr Sian Williams about adapting to a new normal and still holding firm to the values and character that make him special. Producer: Tom Alban
People in this episode
Host: Dr Sian Williams
Guest: Rob Bugden
Topics covered
- military
- parachuting
- survival
- personal challenges
- injury recovery
Keywords
- parachute instructor
- military family
- survival story
- life-changing injuries
- adapting to new normal
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: RAF, BBC Radio 4
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