Snowdon challenge for Wallasey cyclist who broke back in crash

Doctors told Ian Seymour that it was a miracle he wasn’t paralysed after a horrific cycling crash in May.

The 23-year-old from Wallasey had been cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats with his teammates from Port Sunlight Wheelers when he came off his bike near Inverness, travelling at 30mph.

He broke eight vertebrae in his back and one in his neck, as well as breaking three ribs and puncturing a lung.

Ian was airlifted to hospital and a week and a half later, underwent spinal fusion surgery. He now has 10 inches of metal work stabilising his back.

It was another week before he was able to sit up in bed with the aid of a spinal brace and neck brace, and took two days for him to be able to walk five steps.

Now, five months later, Ian has been able to return to work and has his sights set firmly on completing his ascent of Snowdon on October 29 in aid of spinal injury charity Aspire – an idea he came up with while in hospital.

An x-ray shows the metal rods holding Ian's spine in place.

“At that time it was more like a dream but it was important to have something to aim for,” said the accounts assistant.

“It got to a point when it became a realistic target so I decided to go for it and decided to raise money for a spinal cord injury charity after meeting people affected by it.”

He added: “I remember asking a doctor if I’ll ever walk again and getting a vague answer.

“It was incredibly hard learning to walk again aged 23 but I kept my determination and focused on my recovery.”

It was that determination that led Ian to a somewhat speedy recovery and after six weeks in hospital, he was able to return home, where he spent as much time as possible walking with the aid of his braces.

Ian will be tackling Snowdon with his good friends Glyn Jones and Garry Doolan, as well as a few others who have offered to support him.

Ian had to learn to walk again with the aid of a spinal brace and neck brace.

“I know it’s going to be incredibly challenging on the day but with the support of my friends and plenty of breaks, I believe I will make it,” said Ian.

While the last five months have proved challenging for Ian, they have also changed his outlook on life.

He said: “The accident has massively changed me as a person – I never thought I’d have to learn to walk again at 23 years old.

“I’ll never get back to where I was pre-accident but I still have a way to go to reach my full potential. In terms of getting back on a bike, I am still unsure at the moment.”

Medics prepare to airlift Ian to hospital after the horrific bike crash.

Ian added: “The accident has taught me that I can get through things and I strive when presented with a challenge – everything in life seem a little bit easier when compared to what I’ve been through.”

To sponsor Ian, visit justgiving.com/IanPSW