Bernard Newman:
John's ascent of Joker's Wall at Brimham was steeped in legend, for he would regularly jump off from high on the crux during early solo attempts - he was after all the Rubber Man, and could survive ground falls from heights that would have hospitalised lesser mortals. [1]
John Stainforth:
John Syrett did first ascent of Joker's Wall (at last!). On the first attempt of the day he fell off, his Clog 0 tore out and he fell to the ground. Then he practised on a top rope, and then he soloed it. [2]
References
[1] Mountain Issue 104, page 13
[2] https://www.ukclimbing.com/photos/dbpage.php?id=61585
[3] Mountain 19 (1972), page 14