WHAT: I am raising money for Alan Jenkins, I will be riding from John O'Groats in Scotland to Lands end in Cornwall, and although this has been done many times before we will be spicing it up a bit by completing the 3Peaks challenge on the way through Scotland, England, and Wales. We intend to complete the challenge in 5 days.

WHEN: Starting Saturday September 9th 2017

WHO: Si Greenfield, Andy Wright, Andy Gelesthorpe, and myself Jethro Bartle. We work as Paramedic's (AG has recently retired as a Paramedic) for the West Midlands Ambulance Service, and we are all lucky enough to work alongside some very interesting people from various backgrounds. One such Paramedic is Louise Jenkins with a string of gymnastic achievements including competing for Great Britain. Louise's dad Alan suffered life threatening injuries after being thrown from his bike in a freak accident. Alan and his wife Celia's life changed for ever, and Lou would keep us all updated and sometimes entertained with her stories of Alan's positive outlook throughout his return to breathing unaided, and through months of physio and rehab. Alan has become an unintended inspiration in the way he has stayed focused on his intention to enjoy his life, and being part of such a positive family. His struggles are not yet finished as they start to rebuild their home and lives away from hospitals, and reinstate themselves in a 'normal' family home.

WHY: September 2016: Alan fell off his bike whilst taking part in the New Forest 103 mile cycling sportive. He sustained a spinal cord injury at C 3,4,5 and fractured T6 which has resulted in permanent paralysis from the chest down (Tetraplegia).

Alan's Story:

Sept 2016: Alan was treated in the neuro intensive care unit in Southampton and paced on a ventilator as he was unable to breath independently and his family were advised he was unlikely to survive his injuries.

In the following weeks he survived multiple life threatening events after which he was fitted with a tracheotomy and told it was likely he would need a ventilator permanently. In November he was transferred to the critical care unit in Stoke closer to his home in Telford. Despite further complications and set backs he was eventually weened of the ventilator and able to breath independently, swallow and enjoy his first meal since the accident.

January 2017: Alan was moved to rehab in the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injury in Oswestry where he spent the next few months under going physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs which eventually enabled him to be able to sit in a wheelchair.

April 2017: Alan was discharged from rehab and is now being cared for by the Morris Care Centre in Wellington. Alan's family home is being sold and Alan and his wife Celia have purchased a nearby bungalow which requires extensive adaptation to make it accessible and safe for Alan to live in.

Due to complications associated with his injury, problems with breathing and autonomic dysreflexia (AD) which can be life threatening if not treated promptly, Alan require full time specialist care at home. He will also need a specially adapted wheelchair accessible vehicle and other assistive technology to give him a degree of independence. Despite his physical limitations Alan retains full mental capacity and remains positive for the future. He looks forward to returning home to his family. We are raising money to help make this possible.