MP recalls terrifying parachute accident after jumping from a plane at 15,000 feet
Conservative MP David Reed has described a parachuting accident that left him with a broken ankle and a lasting musculoskeletal condition. Speaking in the Commons, he called for faster diagnosis and better access to treatment and rehabilitation, saying delays can lead to avoidable deterioration.
In October 2020, Reed jumped from 15,000 feet in Devon during strong winds and was lifted into an aircraft hangar before falling about five feet to the ground. He was diagnosed with a severe sprain, but an MRI six months later revealed the fracture had been missed. Reed, a former Royal Marine who had completed around 700 jumps, said the injury now affects his daily physical activity; in 2024, almost one in five adults in England reported a long-term musculoskeletal condition.
- David Reed’s ankle fracture was missed after a parachuting accident.
- He wants quicker diagnosis and better rehabilitation for musculoskeletal conditions.
- Almost one in five adults in England reported a long-term condition in 2024.
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Musculoskeletal conditions affect the bones, joints and muscles, and can cause pain or make movement difficult. They range from short-term injuries to long-term problems that affect everyday activities.
David Reed is a Conservative MP and former Royal Marine who has spoken about living with an injury from a parachute jump. His account has brought attention to how quickly injuries are diagnosed and how people get treatment and rehabilitation through the health service.
These conditions affect many people in England, and delays in diagnosis or care can allow some problems to worsen. Access to timely support matters for people trying to manage pain and stay active.