2 years ago I was trampled by cows in a mist covered field in rural Wales, resulting in life threatening injuries including 2 collapsed lungs, 10 broken/flail ribs, my sternum broken in 3 places, a perforated liver and my shin split open to the bone.  Initially a local GP and paramedics attended and carried out an emergency procedure to re-inflate my lungs. They were then joined by a Welsh air ambulance crew carrying the life saving fluids that I needed, followed soon after by a trauma team who had been flown from Bangor Hospital by HM Coastguard.  After stabilisation and being put in an induced coma, I was air-lifted to Stoke Hospital where I received further treatment and extensive surgery having my sternum supported with titanium plates and most of the ribs on the right side of my chest replaced/ supported by titanium.

If it wasn’t for the skill and professionalism of all the medics that came to my aid and subsequent prompt evacuation by helicopter to a major trauma centre, I wouldn’t be here today. 

I served in the Parachute Regiment for 26 years and have always been fit and a keen cyclist. When I was recovering I didn’t even think I would be able to sit on a bike again, let alone ride one. After physio and recovery, I have managed to get back out cycling and other than a little loss of lung capacity, I am pretty much back to normal.

I will be attending the airborne commemorative weekend in Arnhem, Holland ( A Bridge Too Far) over the weekend 16-18 Sept and as a mark of gratitude, I will try and raise some funds for the Welsh Air Ambulance by cycling from the Hook of Holland to Arnhem on 15 Sept (165Km)  and the return journey back to the Hook on 18 Sept. Total 330km

Wales Air Ambulance Charity is funded by the people of Wales and requires £8 million a year to keep its four helicopters in the sky, serving Wales and saving lives. The charity can be anywhere in Wales within 20 minutes, its doctors and medics fly the A&E department to the patient. It also runs the Children's Wales Air Ambulance service, transferring vulnerable babies and children to the specialist hospitals across the UK.Your donations will help keep this vital service in Wales.