A TRIATHLETE who has been airlifted twice after being seriously injured in two bike crashes is holding a triathlon event at the start of May to support the charity who came to her aid.

Samantha Sugden, from Penrith, was on a social bike ride with friends near Keswick when she hit a sinkhole, causing her to be thrown from her bike.

She sustained injuries to her brain and skull, fractured ribs, a lacerated spleen and an arterial bleed.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) flew to the scene and assessed and treated Ms Sugden before airlifting her to the Royal Preston Hospital for further treatment.

News and Star: HELP: Samantha Sugden after her second bike crashHELP: Samantha Sugden after her second bike crash

It took the mother-of-two six months to recover from the incident, and she successfully swam the full length of Ullswater in aid of GNAAS and raised around £1,000 for the charity.

However less than three weeks afterwards, Ms Sugden was unlucky enough to require the services of GNAAS again when, on October,10 2018, she was cycling down Kirkstone Pass, near Ambleside, and was involved in a collision with a bus.

After being assessed and treated by the paramedic and doctor team from GNAAS, she was flown to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle, where she spent seven days recovering.

She said: “I remember everything from this time around, and I knew I’d broken my collarbone but I thought I was alright. I didn’t realise I’d totally annihilated my spleen and I ended up having life-saving surgery to remove it. I was in a bad way but I am really lucky to still be here.”

News and Star: GIVE BACK: Samantha Sugden on the day she swam UllswaterGIVE BACK: Samantha Sugden on the day she swam Ullswater

She also successfully held a triathlon event last year and is now hosting it for the second time on Monday, May 2 at Lazonby Outdoor Swimming Pool to raise money for GNAAS.

She said: “I have decided to hold another Go Tri after the success of last year’s to raise money and awareness for GNAAS because it combines the two things I am passionate about and they have saved my life, not once but twice.

“I wouldn't be here without their help, as is the case for many people in the area, who without their quick service there would be much more severe consequences due to the rural areas we live in."

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The event caters for both adults and children and entry prices range from £5 to £20.

For further information and to sign up visit: https://www.gotri.org/events/go-tri-lazonby-charity---in-aid-of-the-great-north-air-ambulance_13641