A FATHER who says his son owes his life to a team of nurses has said thank you with an early Christmas present – a spin in his Tucano aircraft.

Squadron Leader John Wilkinson, from Bagby, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is a pilot at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York.

In the summer, his son, 20- year-old Sam, was badly injured in a climbing accident at Brimham Rocks, near Harrogate.

At the summit of one of the unusual rock formations, Mr Wilkinson lost his footing and fell 40ft to the ground.

He arrived at hospital in a coma, and with a broken wrist and cheekbone.

Sqn Ldr Wilkinson, of 76 Squadron, showed his appreciation to staff nurse Carla Smith, representing Leeds General Infirmary and Harrogate Hospital, where his son was treated.

The flight, over the Vale of York, took place on Friday.

Miss Smith said: “We were all worried about Sam, and there were times when it really was touch and go whether he would make it.

“I got to know the family well. I really didn’t think I would be speaking to Sam as well as he looks now, just five months down the line.”

Mr Wilkinson left hospital in October and says he is “absolutely fine”, but realistic about his recovery.

He said: “I know there is a long process to go through until I have fully recovered, but I am patient.

“Even though she had known me for a number of weeks, I didn’t know Carla, because of my condition.

“I have been back to Leeds to say thank you to her and all the team for saving my life.”

Sqn Ldr Wilkinson said: “There is no doubt in my mind that had it not been for the intervention of the staff at Harrogate initially, and then at Leeds, then Sam would not have survived.

“I hope that, in some small way, taking Carla for a flight will begin to pay back some of the huge debt of gratitude I owe.”