What happened to Miriam Barker during her skydive?

Miriam Barker suffered a broken neck and a catastrophic spinal cord injury upon landing after her skydive, despite her parachute deploying correctly.

Why might 'fit to do things' letters be discontinued?

An NHS GP suggests that the severe injury sustained by Miriam Barker, who had medical clearance, makes doctors question their qualification to endorse extreme activities.

What is the potential financial impact of Miriam Barker's injury?

Miriam Barker is pursuing £15 million in damages from the doctor who provided her with medical clearance for the skydiving activity.

Home / Health / GP Warns: 'Fit to Do' Letters May End After Skydiving Tragedy

GP Warns: 'Fit to Do' Letters May End After Skydiving Tragedy

4 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A student suffered a broken neck after medical clearance for skydiving.
The paralyzed student is seeking £15 million in damages for her injury.
Doctors may stop issuing 'fit to do things' letters due to this incident.

GP Warns: 'Fit to Do' Letters May End After Skydiving Tragedy

An alarming incident involving a paralyzed student has led an NHS GP to predict the end of "fit to do things" letters issued by doctors. Miriam Barker, a 21-year-old university student, suffered a severe spinal cord injury and a broken neck during a skydive, despite having received medical clearance.

Barker, who was approved for the jump at Dunkeswell Airfield, is now seeking £15 million in damages. The severity of her "catastrophic" injury has prompted Dr. Tim Mercer to voice concerns about the practice of GPs signing off on potentially dangerous activities.