Brave Gary uses bike ordeal to help others

INSPIRATIONAL . . . Gary with fiance Chimene

WHEN a freak motorbike accident left Gary Dawson paralysed from the chest down, he could have locked himself away and given up.

Gary, from Hollinwood, was 19 when the wheels of his bike locked and sent him crashing into the back of a car, almost costing him his life.

But he lived to tell the tale and 12 years later, Gary is supporting others with spinal cord injuries. He travels across the region as a support officer for the Spinal Injuries Association, which has now been given a £5,000 grant from the Cheshire Community Foundation to help Gary continue his work.

Tomorrow, on Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day, Gary will travel from London to Amsterdam on a hand bike to raise money for the association.

He said: “The fact I’m still alive, my brain’s still working and I can use my arms and hands shows I’ve got to make the most of life. My job is to help with rehabilitation for those with spinal cord injuries.

“Most spinal cord injuries are caused by falls down stairs, ladders, road accidents or playing sport. It can be very difficult; when are in an emotional state all they want to know is when they’re going to get better.

“I was a teenager, enjoying the world, until the worst day of my life. My message to those I visit is there’s always hope - even during the dark times.”

Visit justgiving.com/roadtoamsterdam to sponsor Gary.

twitter: @DawnMarsdenOC