Home News Columnists Ken Oxley

I still believe in the power of the Press to change lives

Nov 9 2008 by Ken Oxley, Sunday Sun

Flying blind's plane scary

THERE’S never a good time to go blind. But I’m guessing that, if it had to happen to you, the last place you’d want to be would be in the cockpit of a light aircraft . . . while flying it!

Goodness knows, then, what went through pilot Jim O’Neill’s mind when he was literally struck blind as he cruised at 15,000ft in his Cessna plane.

The 65-year-old solo flyer suffered a mid-air stroke that caused a build-up of blood on his brain which, in turn, put pressure on his optic nerve, leaving him temporarily blinded.

I think that may well be a perfect definition of bad timing.

Incredibly, an RAF team from Linton-on- Ouse, North Yorkshire, was able to guide him down to safety.

Apparently, his landing was a little bumpy.

Lucky Jim is currently in hospital receiving treatment for his brain injuries. Let’s hope he makes a speedy recovery.

:: HAVE you seen the stylish new TV ad for Waitrose? It has been made to promote their autumn produce and is beautifully filmed. Shots of falling leaves and youngsters playing conkers are skillfully intermingled with images of meaty stews bubbling on the stove and kids tucking into toffee apples. Superb . . . and all set to punk band the Stranglers’ biggest hit, Golden Brown. Do you suppose there’s any possibility they don’t realise the song is about heroin addiction?

Keep up to date with the news. Sign up for News Alerts

Have your say on the latest news and sport in our Forums