Trekkers prepare for 3 peaks challenge

Ready for the off . . . Mike Keating, Tony Billinge, Andrew Hardingham, Josh Aghanian, Warren Thompson.

TREKKERS have been inspired by a brave volunteer to scale new heights for charity.

They will attempt the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for one of the UK’s leading spinal-injury charities, Aspire, which helped High Crompton’s Andrew Walker after he was paralysed in a freak holiday accident.

A friend of his, Michael Keating (37), from Oldham, will lead the team of 10 on May 23 on the demanding but rewarding trek.

They will reach the summits of Pen-y-ghent (2,276ft), Whernside (2,415ft) and Ingleborough (2,372 ft) in one circular route of 24.5 miles that includes over 5,000 ft of climbing. It includes a variety of terrains, including boggy and energy-sapping sections.

Michael hopes to raise over £1,000 for Aspire, which supported his friend through rehabilitation before Andrew became a volunteer for the charity.

Andrew (31) broke his neck and was left paralysed from the neck down after hitting a sandbank while diving into the sea in Goa, India, in January, 2006.

The former rugby player spent five days in hospital fighting for his life but amazed doctors with his spirit and determination.

He was flown to a spinal injuries unit in Delhi for several major operations over eight weeks before being flown home to the UK in an air ambulance.

He then spent eight months in the spinal-injury unit in Sheffield, undergoing rehabilitation.

Andrew said: “Aspire provides more than just funding and equipment. It also gives you the incentive, support, friendship and inspiration to reach for the stars!

“I now do volunteer work for the charity in the spinal centres to help people with similar injuries to myself become proficient with computer software.”

Michael said: “The Yorkshire Three Peaks will be testing, but nothing compared with what a person with a spinal injury goes through on a daily basis. We are all rallying together because we want to support Aspire as it has done so much for Andrew and others in a similar situation.

“Andrew’s quality of life is better than we would have thought possible and that is thanks to the help and support of the charity.”

Aspire’s community and events fund-raiser, Andrew Ogierman, said: “Andrew is a valued volunteer.

Fulfilling

“Through his own personal experiences, he is helping others who are now in a position he was in a few years ago.

“The funds Michael’s team raises will go towards helping people with a spinal-cord injury lead a more independent and fulfilling life.”

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/aspirethreepeaks