Dad dies on the moors

TRAGIC . . . Jimmy Wrigley died on the moor despite a battle to save his life Photo: Tony Butterworth

Helicopter pilot’s frantic battle to save friend

A DEVASTATED helicopter pilot talked today about his desperate battle to save the life of a friend and colleague.

Captain Chris Ruddy, boss of Diggle-based Pennine Helicopters, tried the kiss of life and heart massage to resuscitate Jimmy Wrigley, who collapsed on a mission on isolated moorland.

But despite his efforts, aided by a paramedic and the crew of an air ambulance, Mr Wrigley (62), a father of two from Delph, died at the scene.

The two men were working at Ashop Moor, near the Snake Pass, removing old fences on contract for the National Trust.

Captain Ruddy (52) had flown to the site with Mr Wrigley, the firm’s head of ground crew, in the company’s Bell LongRanger helicopter.

Today, still recovering from shock, Captain Ruddy said: “I had put Jimmy down at the scene and he hooked up the first of six bags which I then carried to the A57.

“It was a very fast turn-around, I was back on the scene in a minute. I saw Jimmy lying on the ground. I tried repeatedly to reach him on our radio without any luck.

“So I put the helicopter down. He was unconscious so I gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

“I had half lifted him into the helicopter when a local warden working on the moor came to help. He flew with me to a road where we luckily met a paramedic vehicle and he called an air ambulance.

“We continued to try and revive Jimmy. But tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Captain Ruddy’s wife, Julia, said: “It’s been a terrible shock for everyone. Jimmy had worked for us for 12 years. He was a wonderful man, a great friend and a devoted, loving husband. He will be sadly missed.”

Captain Ruddy, broke the news Jimmy’s wife, Moira. “It was just something he felt he had to do personally,” said Mrs Ruddy.

A spokesperson for the The National Trust said: “We have had a long standing relationship with this contractor and the employee concerned and our sincere condolences go to the family at this sad time.”

Delph musical entrepreneur, Phil Beck, a lifelong friend of Mr Wrigley, said: “Everyone was touched by Jimmy.

“He and his family and my family help staged concerts at Uppermill civic hall and he was a stalwart at Whit Friday events.

“His death is a real body blow to all his family, friends and the community. Our thoughts are with his family at this tragic time.”