CHARITY cyclists have been thanked for their efforts by an army veteran who faced life in a wheelchair after a spinal chord injury.
Students from Risedale Sports and Community College got to meet former Royal Army Medical Corps soldier Paul Nichol who was left paralysed from the waste down after collapsing in a training incident.
But with the help of experts at Headley Court Defence Medical Rehabilitation Unit and Help for Heroes he is now walking again, playing golf and wheelchair basketball.
Paul joined Rob Hood, supported activities manager at Help for Heroes’ northern recovery centre Phoenix House, in Catterick Garrison, at a cheque presentation ceremony.
A ten strong party of students and staff at Risedale Sports and Community College, Hipswell, raised more than £1,000 by completing a gruelling coast-to-coast bike ride.
The 153-mile epic trek from Whitehaven to Sunderland saw the team of young riders cross the Pennines in 27 degrees of heat.
Taking part were students Louise Macmaster, 14, Shane Hobley, 15, Kaushan Rai, 14, James Thompson, 15, Rhiannan Dalton, 14, Scott McLeod, 15, Mason Woolley, 14, Primpal Rana, 14, Lewis Dales, 15 and Chloe Dangerfield, 15, along with youth worker Del Stevens and teacher Neil Fatkin.
Mr Nichol said: “The recovery centres have helped me get back on my feet when I first thought I would never walk again. Phoenix House has also helped me meet people, come out of my shell and take up golf which I am loving.”
Mr Hood added: “This was a tremendous effort by the students because the coast to coast route is very tough.”
Mr Fatkin said he was delighted that the students had got to meet someone who had benefited from the work of Help for Heroes.
“It really gives it added poignancy to hear first hand about the tremendous work these facilities carry out and the impact they are having on the lives of injured, sick and wounded servicemen,” he said.
“It really has inspired us and we are already looking forward to organising another event in aid of the charity.”
Lewis added: “The ride was very challenging and tested our endurance and motivation. But raising so much and meeting the people from Phoenix House has made it all worthwhile.”
