Man, 38, ‘miraculously’ freed from cave after 57 hours pictured as his mum praises rescue team who saved her son’s life

A MAN freed from a cave after 57 hours underground has been named – as his mum praised heroic rescuers who battled to save him.

George Linnane spent more than two days trapped in the dark after suffering horrific injuries in a 50ft plunge from a ledge.

The man rescued from a cave after 57 hours has been named as 38-year-old George Linnane

He told rescuers: ‘I’m mighty relieved to be out of there’

But the brave 38-year-old kept his spirits up – and even told rescuers as he was stretchered out: “I’m mighty relieved to be out of there.”

Tonight, mum Sally Linnane-Hemmens said: “These guys, along with several other cave rescue teams from across the UK, saved my son’s life.

“He had been trapped underground for 50 hours plus, and was badly injured.

“It was the biggest cave rescue in the UK.”

And she urged friends and family to donate – adding: “If you are able, please contribute to their funds, as they are all volunteers and need every penny.”

Friends of Mr Linnane, a keen cyclist and music producer in his spare time, described him as a “hard as nails” caver with considerable experience.

He is known throughout the caving community for his extensive skills in exploration and had recently completed a course in underwater cave diving.

BIGGEST CAVE RESCUE IN THE UK

One said: “George is very experienced and he’s known in the caving world for being a reliable guy – he doesn’t take risks.

“Throughout the rescue George was very stoic.

“That’s the kind of person he is.

“He’s got a huge amount of experience in cave exploration and has qualified as an underground diver as well.”

Another said it was a “miracle” he was alive after horror unfolded under the Brecon Beacons in South Wales.

George, 38, who lives in Bristol, is in hospital with a broken leg.

One pal said: “It’s incredible. He’s amazing.

‘IT’S A MIRACLE’

“It’s a miracle he’s still alive. He will be in hospital for a while now.

“These injuries are serious but thankfully he’s still with us.”

George is also a popular DJ and has performed at London venues.

He was 900 feet below the ground in the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu cave system when he was injured.

In a terrifying fall, he suffered suspected spinal injuries, a fractured leg, a broken breast bone and a shattered collar bone.

He also sustained a broken jaw, mouth injuries and cuts to his neck.

A fellow caver raised the alert, and medics made their way into the darkness, treating him with strong pain-relief drugs administered via a nasal cannula.

An epic rescue mission then began.

Teams worked in 12-hour shifts during an “arduous and pain-staking” bid to bring him two miles back to safety.

Emotional rescuers applauded as he was loaded into the back of an ambulance at 7.45pm yesterday.

South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue TeamGeorge, 38, who lives in Bristol, is in hospital with a broken leg[/caption]

South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue TeamA pal said ‘It’s a miracle he’s still alive. He will be in hospital for a while now’[/caption]

South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue TeamThey added ‘It’s incredible. He’s amazing’[/caption]