A WIRRAL dad who sustained a traumatic brain injury in a cycling accident two years ago is preparing to resume his journey to the Ironman World Championships.
Paul Bradford will compete at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii this Saturday (October 26), taking on 140.6 miles of activity, spanning an ocean swim, a technical bike course, and a coastal run.
The 48-year-old dad of two from West Kirby, qualified for the Ironman World Championships in 2022 but one month prior to competing, whilst on a training ride, he crashed into the back of a stationary van.
Paul was given a 10% chance of survival after he sustained a severe traumatic brain injury. His condition was further complicated by a fractured skull, broken ribs and a severely broken jaw.
Due to the severity of Paul’s injuries, the North West Air Ambulance Charity was called to provide enhanced pre-hospital care.
He was given a general anaesthetic, intubated to keep his airway open and was placed on a ventilator at the scene.
Paul was then flown to Aintree University Hospital and subsequently transferred to the specialist Walton Neuro Centre due to the extent of his brain injury.
Two years on, after a lengthy recovery period, and despite ongoing challenges, Paul is resuming his Ironman journey in Kona this October.
This is time he’s doing it in aid of the North West Air Ambulance Charity which he says he "owes his life to".
Paul said: "I was shocked to find out that that the North West Air Ambulance is a charity and is funded solely by the generosity of the public.
"This knowledge made me determined to raise awareness and funds for them, so they can continue saving lives."
Last year, Paul ran the London Marathon in aid of the charity that saved his life and raised over £5,000 in vital funds.
Rebekah Bullen-Calderbank, events co-ordinator at NWAA said: "We are so thankful for Paul’s support over the past couple of years.
"From completing the London Marathon in 2023 and now the Ironman World Championship, he really is an inspiration to us all.
"Our lifesaving charity doesn’t get government funding, and we aren’t part of the NHS. We rely solely on our dedicated supporters to raise the £18m we need each year to bring the hospital to the patient."
For more information about how you can support Paul's journey and the North West Air Ambulance Charity click here
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