A WOMAN who was badly hurt in a fall from a cliff at a popular beauty spot is on the road to recovery, her family have said.
Suzanne Dyer, an experienced hiker from Herefordshire, was enjoying a New Year's Day walk with her friend when she slipped from a path and fell more than 30 feet in the Four Waterfalls area, in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
She sustained a number of serious injuries to her arms, ribs, pelvis and legs.
Lindsay Bruce, Suzanne's ex-husband, said: "She was very lucky to still be alive.
"She was hypothermic when she got to hospital so it’s a medical miracle."
He added: "If she landed head or feet first I think it would have been a different story."
After falling near the waterfall, teams from the coastguard, the Wales Air Ambulance Service, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue, the Welsh Ambulance Service and Dyfed-Powys Police rushed to the scene.
Suzanne had initially fallen onto a ledge before continuing her descent into a gorge next to a river.
Within minutes, an ex-royal marine and mountain leader, who was on the opposite side of the river, dashed over to help her.
Having landed in the recovery position, she was reassured by several individuals as they waited for emergency services.
Suzanne was then airlifted to Cardiff Heath Hospital where she has been receiving treatment for her injuries.
Mr Bruce said: "The road to fully recovery will be a long process and may take a while but Suzie is in good spirits," he said.
"I know that Suzie would love to give her sincere thanks to those on the scene who helped facilitate the rescue.
"Without question the emergency services and the magnitude of the operation were incredible and how they kept so calm.
"She says I want to make sure there is a massive thanks and everyone is recognised for what they have done."
Suzanne underwent reconstructive surgery on her elbow and arm on January 2.
Two days later, she had surgery to repair fractures to her pelvis, as well as spinal surgery.
She has not suffered paralysis and the fractures to her spine have been repaired to ensure long-term stability.
Surgeons repaired her pelvis and L3 vertebrae and her chest drain was removed following a perforated lung on January 5.
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