WELLINGTON man Les Winter, who survived a horrific fall from a ladder late last month, has returned to his home to celebrate his 87th birthday.

Les was up a ladder in Cornhill cutting back a tree when he came crashing down and was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Doctors treated him for a fractured skull, ten broken ribs, broken shoulder blade, damage to his spleen and blood clots.

Daughter Kim Thorne said this week: “Dad was in a very bad way. He should never been up that ladder.

“He has astounded doctors by the way he has recovered – and so quickly.

“Obviously he is still unsteady on his feet and he gets tired very quickly. But he has been told he will make a full recovery although it will take time.”

The accident happened on August Bank Holiday Monday and Les was determined he would return home for his 87th birthday on Tuesday of last week.

The day was made special with all his four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren turning up to sing happy birthday.

Kim added: “Dad is getting on really well but it will be two months before he is up and about.”