Climb of his life

Paralysed from the neck down after a diving accident, sports-mad Andy is reaching for the top again

A GUTSY sportsman who was paralysed from the neck down after a freak acccident is taking on his biggest physical challenge to date — climbing England’s third-highest mountain.

Andy Walker, from Shaw, will be given a helping hand by a team of 14 fellow Oldhamers when he takes on Mount Helvellyn in the Lake District on July 10 and 11.

“The Helvellyn Push” has been organised by the Back-Up Trust, a charity which helps people paralysed by spinal cord injury, as its challenge of the year.

It will involve 10 teams of between eight and 15 participants, including one wheelchair user, who must climb, push, walk, pull and wheel to the summit and back down again. Billed as a unique challenge not for the faint-hearted, teams must conquer the 3,117ft mountain.

Andy (33) suffered his injuries in a freak accident during a New Year holiday in India in 2006 when he broke his neck while diving in the sea.

The all-round sportsman nearly drowned and spent three months in hospital in India, where it was touch-and-go if he would survive.

He then endured another six months in a spinal unit in Sheffield before finally returning home.

Doctors were amazed by Andy’s spirit and determination as he overcame adversity. He has now inspired others with his positive outlook on life.

Andy (pictured) now does volunteer work for Back-Up Trust, teaching wheelchair skills and mentoring and is aiming to raise around £4,000 for the charity.

A fund-raiser will take place at Crompton Cricket Club tomorrow at 4pm featuring a barbecue, face-painting, balloon modelling and much more.

It will also raise awareness and is free to attend, with money made from donations.

Andy said: “It will be one hell of a task. I’ve never tried to do anything like this before.

“There’s 10 teams going up with people of various levels of disability. I will be the highest level.

“It’s been done before but not by anyone from Oldham.

“It’s certainly the first time I’ve tried to do it.

“It will involve a couple of nights of camping but we are aiming to win.

“We are looking forward to it. I’m very nervous but also really excited. I don’t cope too well with the cold these days so I’m hoping for good weather.”

Sponsor Andy via his brother at www.justgiving.com/anthony-walker0 .