Clock tower fall man tells of recovery

Ron Davies broke nine vertebrae, his shoulder blade and nine ribs and damaged his lung when he fell through the trapdoor onto a bench at Bishop's Castle Town Hall, after he discovered a body, on June 12.

Mr Davies, of High Street, Bishop's Castle, said today he is getting along nicely and is almost back to normal.

He had gone up to the tower to wind the clock up as part of a team of three volunteers who did it on a weekly basis.

He went for help after discovering the body of town businessman John Morgan and fell through an unlocked trapdoor when he returned to the tower.

Mr Davies, who spent a considerable amount of time in intensive care after the accident, said: "Everything is healing up nicely. It is a bit uncomfortable sometimes but I am almost back to normal and medics say I should make a full recovery.

"Most of the treatment I have received has been pain relief. It has been a case of rest and pain relief although sleeping has been a problem.

"It is not something I would wish on anyone."

Speaking of the death of Mr Morgan, who ran Clocks and Pots, a shop at the bottom of the hall, Mr Davies said: "It stunned the community and it stunned me as well. Fortunately, I did not recognise his body when I saw it, so I did not put two and two together.

"It was only when my wife was visiting me in hospital when I found out. I was devastated. The shop has been closed now."

But he said he was overwhelmed by the kindness of the local community who rallied round in the weeks after the incident.

He said: "Everybody has been marvellous, they really have. The number of cards and letters I have received total more than 200. It has been quite humbling."

By Sophie Bignall