A PARAMEDIC has helped raise nearly £14,000 from an annual hill climb event which supports the air ambulance service that saved his life.

Jack Talbot, 30, from Ulverston, has organised ‘The Struggle’ - a cycling hill climb event near Ambleside - for the last four years.

The event sees riders tackle the 2.67-mile-long course from Ambleside up to the Kirkstone Pass Inn at 1,175 ft at 30-second intervals.

October 29 was the first time the event has hosted the RTTC National Hill Climb Championships, which saw 450 riders take part in the event over the 20 per cent steep gradients.

All proceeds from entry fees went to the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) who flew to Jack’s aid six years ago when he was involved in a hit-and-run incident with a car whilst cycling in Ulverston.

He sustained a serious brain injury, a T7 spinal fracture, a broken shoulder blade, rib fractures and a collapsed lung following the collision and remained in an induced coma for 13 days at Royal Preston Hospital before making a remarkable recovery.

Jack said: “I’m still utterly speechless at the madness of Sunday’s National Champs, I don’t even know where to begin.

“I wanted to create an inclusive event that would raise money year on year. This year, together, we have raised a life-saving amount of money for GNAAS. As it stands, we’re edging close to an incredible £14,000. If this money can go on to save even one life, then all of this effort will be worth it.”

The Mail: Jack Talbot and friend Toby at The Struggle Hill Climb

Staff and volunteers from GNAAS helped on the day and were among the crowd cheering the riders on at the finish line.

The course was won by Illi Gardner and Andrew Feather, who set new course records, and saw Geoff Pickin complete the ride on his hand cycle.

Hannah Powell, fundraising lead at GNAAS, said: “Well done to everybody who took part.

Thank you so much to Jack for organising the event, you’re an absolute legend, and we’ll hopefully see everyone again this time next year.”