Courageous Imran says thanks to his hero rescuers with a tasty curry

Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 14 June 2021


A courageous father of three, who is lucky to be alive after falling down a spectacular Saddleworth landmark, vowed he would not forget the unassuming heroes who helped save his life.

Imran Choudhury, aged 36, from Chadderton, was training for a walk up Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa in aid of the Royal Oldham Hospital and charity, Global Relief Trust, by scaling the Trinnicle landmark on Saddleworth Moor on February 23.

However, he blacked out and fell from the three-pronged gritstone stack perched on hills at  Ravenstones near Dovestone.

The alarm was raised by two passers-by and  an 18-strong contingent from the Oldham Mountain Rescue Team rushed to the scene, where Imran was winched from the bottom of the crag to a waiting Yorkshire Air Ambulance and flown to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital intensive care unit for urgent medical treatment.

Initially there were fears he may lose his right leg, but after Trojan work by surgeons his leg was saved.

Now, despite being wheelchair bound from his injuries, kind-hearted Imran, accompanied by two of his children, delivered a specially cooked biryani meal by taxi to the delighted rescue team’s headquarters as a personal thank you. 

Imran's family (pictured below) provided 50 Chicken Biriyani and 10 Vegetable Biriyani from their business - New Polash Takeaway in Chadderton.

Said an OMRT spokesperson: “It is testament to his spirit and character that Imran was able to make the journey to Greenfield to pass on his thanks in person. 

“Although he has a long road ahead, he is determined to be back hiking the Saddleworth hills, and is already talking of a fundraising walk for OMRT.

“It is always good to hear from the casualties we have helped, especially when they have progressed as far as Imran has from what was a very serious incident. 

“Thank you for the delicious biryani, and all the best for a full recovery, from everyone at Oldham Mountain Rescue Team.”

Imran said: "Me and my family wanted to show our appreciation for the what the hospital and the mountain rescue team did for me.

"The rescue team will say they were only doing their duties, but if they didn't find me I wouldn't be here today."

Justin Parkinson, OMRT chairman, added: “Imran has got some distance to go, but his positive attitude and approach will get him there and it was a pleasure to see him again.”


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