A wheelchair-bound South Cheshire man is to climb Snowdon to raise funds for Head Injured People in Cheshire.
Rick Ransome, 41, will attempt to ascend 1,085 metres to the jagged peak on May 9 in a specially adapted wheelchair made by a Nantwich firm.
Rick, from Crewe, is also tackling the mountain challenge to highlight Action for Brain Injury Awareness Week (May 8-14).
He had an accident in 1998 and fell 30ft from his flat window.
He suffered seven fractures to the skull, four blood clots on the brain and fractured his spine in two places.
He was put into an induced coma and was given 12 hours to live – but on May 9 he will be on top of a mountain.
Rick said: “Climbing a mountain is not something I ever thought I’d be able to do in a wheelchair and did not think possible when I told Clare from HIP I wanted to do Snowdon!
“It’s going to be tough but I’m training in the gym at least three times a week.
“We’re doing this challenge for an incredible cause and to change the public’s perception of people with brain injuries.”
HIP in Cheshire aims to reduce loneliness, isolation and improve the quality of life for people, family and friends coping after a serious brain injury.
Rick will be joined by fellow brain injury sufferers Ian Skaiffe, former Malbank School teacher from Crewe who suffered a brain abscess; Ivan Thompson, from Crewe,
who fell off ladder at work; and John Stanger from Macclesfieled, injured in a serious RTA.
All four are members of HIP in Cheshire and benefit from the charity’s hard work.
Clare Emerton, charity fundraiser and coordinator for HIP in Cheshire, said: “This is the biggest fundraising challenge we’ve ever done – and the most nerve-wracking – but we’ve got plenty of amazing support.”
Mike Harper, from Nantwich-based Harbrook Engineering, prepared Rick’s wheelchair for the challenging terrain.
Dave Pickles, from EDGE Travel Worldwide, is leading the adventure, and Dianne Yates from Birchall Blackburn Law, has sponsored the support team and will be part of the climbing team.
Students from Motivational Preparation College for Training (MPCT) in Wales, will also help Rick’s team take on the rugged Welsh peak.
Clare added: “We still need plenty of sponsorship and we’re looking for any companies, businesses or groups able to sponsor some spare wheels for Rick’s wheelchair.”
Led by Dave Pickles, Rick and the team have already taken the special wheelchair for a successful test run on the sandstone paths, crags and rocks of Bickerton Hills in mid-Cheshire.
Dave, EDGE Travel Worldwide, said: “This is a unique challenge for HIP in Cheshire that is bringing people together who believe in compassion for others and that anything is possible in spite of personal physical challenges resulting from brain injury.
“Rick is determined and has a dream of getting to the top of Snowdon and I’m 100 per cent sure that we’ll achieve the aim in a safe, fun and emotionally charged way.”
Dianne Yates added: “I’ve seen them training and the buzz, strength of character and camaraderie of the team is fantastic.”
Brain Injury Awareness Week (May 8-14) is run to increase the public’s awareness of the wide range of conditions and causes of head injuries.
To help or get involved in the Snowdon Challenge, call Clare on 07900 158 166 or visit www.hipincheshire.org.uk
Sponsor Rick and team at https://mydonate.bt.com/events/snowdonchallengeforhip/437494
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