CONCERNING your front page story in the East Cornwall Times (June 11), headed 'Morning walker rescued from 60ft rock face') I write to express my gratitude to the brave lads and lasses of the Brixham Coastguard and also the Royal Navy Air Sea Rescue from Culdrose.

On Tuesday, June 8, while staying at the Old Rectory Caravan and Camping site at Gulstworthy due to the need to earn some cash I decided to head for Plymouth on foot via the Tamar Valley — so I walked from Gulsworthy to Gunnislake and proceeded along the River Tamar footpath in the direction of Plymouth.

After a couple of miles the footpath came to an abrupt end; due to the fact that I did not wish to re-trace my steps, I, in a state of stupidity, decided to climb the cliff towards the direction of the main road.

After about 60 to 80ft I realised that due to the amount of loose scree beneath my feet that I could neither go any further up the cliff face or even retrace my steps back in a downward direction.

Due to this, and the fact, that I am indeed trained in survival techniques — as a former Royal Marine — I realised my limitations and decided to phone the Coastguard and request assistance.

With many thanks to Orange Communications I still had a signal on my phone which, under the circumstances, was a minor miracle in itself.

After what seemed like an eternity, help was indeed at hand in the form of a helicopter, an inshore lifeboat and a crew member who had been winched down from the helicopter,

At great risk to their own lives all of these rescuers did a brilliant job and I owe my own life to the bravery and courage that they expressed.

Calvin David Bedson

(homeless at present)