By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 14:56, Tuesday, 16 October 2012

A man whose life was saved after he fell more than 120ft in the Lake District has competed a gruelling 200-mile challenge.

Joe Beaumont at Wasdale

Joe Beaumont, 34, fell while climbing in Eskdale causing nerve damage and breaking most of the bones on his right side.

Now he has completed a charity coast-to-coast ride to raise funds for the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, West Cumberland Hospital and the crew from RAF Boulmer.

Joe, an experienced climber and professional tree surgeon prior to his fall, has endured multiple operations and surgical procedures since. He remains unable to walk without considerable pain and his physical and psychological challenges persist.

The charity coast-to-coast ride came 19 months after Joe’s accident. He did it on a recumbent trike as he is unable to use a standard bicycle due to his disability.

Joe, of Windermere, is unable to hold the handlebars or put pressure on his legs.

The ride began on the east coast at RAF Boulmer, Northumberland, visiting West Cumberland Hospital where he was flown to, and ended in Wasdale.

Joe said: “My life has been completely turned upside down by last year’s climbing accident but I’m so grateful to so many people including surgeons and specialists who put me back together, and to my family and friends who’ve supported me through my difficult and ongoing recovery.

“I wanted the challenge to not only bring awareness of the great work my rescuers do but also to raise money for the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, because as a charity, they need approximately £30,000 per year to ensure they can always be there in time’s of people’s need.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/joe-beaumont.

First published at 14:30, Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk