A WIRRAL man left with brain injuries after a road accident has scaled the heights of success with medals in the Para-Climbing World Cup and European Championship.
Dave Bowes, from Wallasey, is currently ranked second in Europe and fourth in the world after picking up a bronze medal at the Para-Climbing World Cup and silver in the Para-Climbing European Championships in Charmonix, France, in July.
He narrowly missed out on a podium finish in the first round of the Para-Climbing World Cup in Imst, Austria, as he struggled to balance the medication needed to help him control his symptoms.
Dave Bowes scaling the heights in the shadow of Mont Blanc, France
Dave suffered multiple brain injuries as a result of a car crash in 2007, which left him with a neurological disability.
But he refused to let his life changing injuries stop him from climbing and has since become British Para-Climbing Champion in his category.
Last year he even made it on to the able bodied ice climbing team in an effort to show that disabled climbers can compete in that sport too.
He earned his place on the GB team by coming third in the able-bodied nationals through sheer grit and determination.
In the near future there are hopes of full Para-climbing categories within ice climbing.
Dave said: “The Para-Climbing World Cup and Para-Climbing European Championship prize ceremony in Charmonix was really too much sensory overload for my brain injuries; but the atmosphere during the competition, the cheer of over 2,000 spectators, and the quality of routes were amazing.
“And what a back drop! To be able to look over at Mont Blanc at the end of your climb whilst being lowered down is both beautiful and surreal.”
Dave Bowes (left) on the podium at the Para-Climbing World Cup in Charmonix, France
Dave efforts are being sponsored by Birchall Blackburn Solicitors, in Chester.
Dave said, “Sponsorship is incredibly important. Without companies, like Birchall Blackburn, supporting me I couldn’t do this and I wouldn’t have the platform to raise awareness of hidden disabilities.
“I'm unable to work and trying to raise awareness is the closest thing to a ‘job’ that I have and gives me a sense of self-worth for the first time in over seven years, since my accident.”
“For me climbing is even more important as it shows others with disabilities that what ‘labels’ them shouldn't stop them from trying for the seemingly impossible.”
Dianne Yates, partner and head of serious and catastrophic injury for Birchall Blackburn, said: “We’re honoured and proud to be supporting Dave as he battles his symptoms and racks-up more and more incredible achievements.
"Hope that after a catastrophic illness or injury, a person can get the right support and rebuild a life for themselves – and their family and friends – and go on to push their limits to do extraordinary things."
For updates on Dave's progress follow Twitter @bowesdave or instagram.com/bowesdave
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