Flintshire: Warning after teen fell 20ft from abbey ruins

Hope Thwaite, aged 16, was climbing the ruins of Basingwerk Abbey in Greenfield on the afternoon of Sunday, March 23 when she fell 20ft head first.

The Ysgol Maes Garmon pupil was airlifted to the major trauma centre at Stoke Hospital having suffered a brain injury, tears her kidney and spleen, fractured pelvis and severely broken skull. 

Her mum, Lynne Thwaite, said: "She was climbing it for the umpteenth time, but it just goes to show how dangerous climbing it is. The paramedics that arrived thought she'd gone, it's a minor miracle that she's alive. 

"She was placed on life support and was unconscious until the following Thursday. She's awake now, and has moved from the intensive care unit to the brain injury ward. The doctor on the ward said that patients who have suffered half of the injuries Hope did are still in a coma.

"She has a long journey ahead and we don't know the extent of her brain damage yet, but we just feel so thankful that's she alive."

Hope is undergoing daily tests to determine the extent of the injury to her brain. 

"They give her four things to try and remember from one day to the next," Lynne said. "She's a really tough little cookie and she's determined to get out of hospital by next week!

"We took her little niece, Ellie Rose, to see her and she had a huge smile on her face and there were some tears, that was so lovely to see.

"Her friend, Ellie Fitzgerald, who was with her when the incident happened has been with her every step of the way."

The 12th Century abbey ruins are part of Greenfield Valley Heritage Park, and are managed by Cadw.

Basingwerk Abbey, Greenfield (Image: Stephen Bromley)

Lynne is now urging parents to be vigilant of the dangers that climbing the walls of the abbey pose. 

"It would be absolutely awful if this were to happen to another child," she said. "Children always climb on it and I'd urge all to know the dangers of doing so. I think there should be more signs there warning them not to. There is one at the front gate, but I'm not sure it's enough."

A family friend has also set up a petition calling for more signage warning people not to climb on the ruins. 

It can be found at https://bit.ly/4401wYN and it states: "The Abbey ruins are an integral part of our heritage but they also pose a significant risk. Without adequate warning signs, visitors may be unaware of the potential dangers that come with climbing these structures. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that falls from height remain one of the most common causes of fatality and major injury in the UK.

"We believe that implementing safety warning signs around the abbey ruins will deter public climbing and prevent such tragic accidents in future. It's crucial that we protect both our community members and our historical landmarks.

"We urge local authorities in Flintshire to take immediate action on this matter. Please sign this petition to support safer access to our cherished historical sites, ensuring they can be enjoyed by everyone without risking their lives."

Lynne added: "I just want to say a huge thank you to the paramedics and the air ambulance crew - who arrived in what seemed like seconds. Without them, we'd have lost our daughter. They were absolutely amazing.

"Instead of sending cards or messages to Hope, if people wouldn't mind making a small donation to the Wales Air Ambulance charity - I'd be very grateful."

A spokesperson for Cadw said: “We are aware of this very sad incident which happened at our unstaffed site, Basingwerk Abbey. We want everyone to enjoy this site in a safe manner and there are two warning notices upon the gate, with the clear message climbing the monument is dangerous.

"A site visit was undertaken after we were notified of the incident and we will consider whether additional measures are required.”