Newcastle man encourages everyone to sign up for the 3 Peaks Challenge

Newcastle man encourages everyone to sign up for the 3 Peaks Challenge

14 August 2019

NEWCASTLE man Shaun Attwood was one of the first people to benefit from the speedy response of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) when he was involved in a serious accident two years ago.

He is now urging local people to support the emergency service funded by the charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland by taking part in its 3 Peaks Challenge.

Supported by Boost Drinks, the event will see supporters take on either one, two or all three famous local peaks — which includes Slieve Donard — next month.

Shaun’s back was broken in two places and he sustained other fractures when a car pulled out in front of his motorbike two years ago on August 20. 

He was travelling from Hilltown to Newcastle when the collision happened close to the Bog Road junction.

Shaun was launched on to the windscreen and bounced back, landing on his back in the middle of the road.

A local man called 999 and the air ambulance was called to the scene to treat Shaun’s injuries.

He was then airlifted to Belfast where he was first taken to Musgrave Hospital before going to the Royal Victoria Hospital. 

Shaun said: “I know that without the services of the air ambulance and the medical team, I just wouldn’t have recovered as well as I have. 

“The fast response ambulance time was with me first but the air ambulance were there in about 20 minutes.

“I was in hospital for 11 days and I’m still receiving some physiotherapy treatment. But since then I’ve been a big supporter of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and I look forward to supporting the charity in the 3 Peaks Challenge.”

The HEMS service, which requires £2m a year to cover its 24-hour operation 365 days a year, first started in July 2017 and has since responded to 931 emergencies in that time.

Shaun added: “I know that I’m one of the lucky ones as the air ambulance was able to get me into hospital within an hour of my accident.

“I encourage everyone across Northern Ireland to sign up for the 3 Peaks Challenge as it’s a fantastic charity. I hope my support for the charity encourages others to donate and take on one of the three peaks.”

 Climbers will take on Slieve Donard on September 14 followed by Cuilcagh in Co Fermanagh on September 21 and Slemish in Co Antrim on September 28. Participants can choose one, two or three of the peaks as part of the event.

To register for the 3 Peaks Challenge or to learn more about AANI, visit airambulanceni.org, or go to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland’s Facebook page, or call 028 9262 2677.