Soldier clung to ledge of waterfall for hours after slip taking pic

PLEA FOR HELP TO BRING HIM BACK FROM BANGKOK

- By NAOMI CORRIGAN

THE family of a Hartlepool man who suffered multiple, serious injuries in a horrific accident in Thailand are appealing for help to bring him home.

Soldier Liam Gibson was on holiday with his girlfriend Lucy Burnett when he slipped from a ledge over a waterfall in Koh Samui and fell around 30ft. The 21-year-old suffered multiple injuries including a shattered femur, skull and nose as well as broken bones in an arm, hand, cheekbone and eye socket.

Slipping in and out of consciousness, Liam clung on to a ledge as his frantic girlfriend went to find help. It took three hours to get Liam down the mountain before he was rushed to hospital for life-saving treatment.

The accident occurred on Saturday, April 12 as the couple visited Na Muang Waterfall 2, known as one of the most picturesque in Koh Samui, a week into their holiday. Liam had been taking a photo from the viewpoint when he lost his balance and dropped to a ledge lower down the waterfall.