Mum Survives Terrifying 130ft Cliff Fall, Faces Months of Recovery

On October 4th, 2025, Leah Matthews and her partner Anthony were enjoying a dog walk in Wales' Waterfall Country when a tragic accident occurred. As they were making their way along a footpath, Leah's brother's cocker spaniel Lola veered off the path and started slipping down a bank. Leah tried to use a stick to pull Lola back up, but in the process, she lost her balance and fell over the edge of the 130ft cliff.

Leah plummeted into the river below, suffering multiple broken bones, including eight broken ribs, a shattered hip, three breaks in her pelvis, and a fractured right foot. She also sustained a punctured lung and needed two surgeries and five blood transfusions at the hospital. Leah now faces a long road to recovery and must learn to walk again, a process that could take at least eight weeks.

Despite the severity of her injuries, Leah considers it a "miracle" that she survived the fall. Her partner Anthony bravely scrambled down the cliff to reach her and call for help. It took five hours for emergency services to safely transport Leah to a point where she could be airlifted to the hospital.

Leah's recovery is ongoing, and she is currently confined to a hospital bed at home, using a wheelchair. She is already missing out on quality time with her two children, aged 9 and 15, and her new job has been put on hold. Leah's mother has taken special leave from work to become her full-time caregiver, adding financial strain to the family.

The incident has been a traumatic experience for Leah, who has been receiving counseling to help her cope with nightmares and the fear of falling. She urges others to be cautious when enjoying nature, as the cliff that caused her fall was hidden by trees and bushes.