A WIRRAL cyclist has tackled the ascents of the highest mountain in Wales, just five months after breaking his back in eight places

Doctors told Ian Seymour it was a miracle he wasn’t left paralysed after an 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.

But despite having to learn to walk again at the age of 23, Ian was determined to get back on his feet, setting himself an ambitious target of walking up Snowdon in aid of spinal injury charity Aspire – an idea he came up with while in hospital.

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

“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 charity after meeting people affected by it.”

Ian completed the challenge on October 29, supported by friends and members of Port Sunlight Wheelers, and has so far raised more than £2,000 for Aspire.

He said: “It was a lot harder than I was expecting, I had to stop more than I thought I would and the terrain was much more technical than I was expecting - the views from the top were incredible and well worth the effort.

“Just as we started our descent the search and rescue helicopter came overhead on what seemed to be a training exercise. It must have brought back memories for those who were there to witness my crash and was a reminder just how dangerous walking in the mountains can be.”

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.”

Wirral Globe:
Ian Seymour, who broke eight vertebrae in his back and one in his neck following a horrofic bike crash in May.

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

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.”

Laura Haynes, from Aspire, said: “We would like to congratulate Ian on successfully climbing Snowdon. To have done this just five months after breaking eight bones in his back and one in his neck is an amazing feat.

“We are delighted that by completing his challenge Ian has raised almost £2,500 for Aspire, which will enable us to provide practical support to people who have been paralysed by spinal cord injury.”