A MAN from Bridport who was seriously injured in an accident when he fell off a roof told of his delight as he crossed the finishing line at a cycle fundraiser.

Stuart Willmore was among the the hundreds who took part in Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance's 11th annual Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge on Sunday.

Cyclists choose a 55-mile route from Watchet Harbour, Somerset to West Bay or a shorter 11-mile route from the Royal Oak pub in Drimpton also finishing at West Bay.

Incredibly, Stuart - who uses a hand bike, powered by the arms rather than the legs, took part in the 55-mile cycle challenge.

He had competed the ride four times previously and didn't want his accident to stop him competing again.

In November 2019, he suffered a bad accident when he fell off a roof, breaking his back and suffering severe head injuries. Stuart was taken to Southampton Hospital for treatment and has

subsequently recovered well.

He said: “My accident left me with a complete spinal cord injury, but I have recovered well and managed to get back out riding again, albeit on three wheels rather than two.

I cycled in a group of four people, raising money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Wings for Life (a non-profit charity for spinal research).”

The route took cyclists through some of Dorset and Somerset’s most beautiful countryside, with a mixture of quiet back roads, some very demanding hill climbs and equally hairy descents.

The weather provided an additional challenge this year, however, it most certainly did not dampen the mood. Once again, the public came out to show their support at the start, the various pit stops

along the route and the finish line celebrations at West Bay.

Those who took part included former patients who had experienced the work of the air ambulance first-hand, others cycled in memory of loved ones, as a personal challenge, or as a team.

Stuart's was one of so many inspirational stories of courage, determination and triumph on the day.

Although the event is not a race, the first male to cross the finish line was Paul Branfield from Bridgwater and the first female was Anna Boden from Bridport.

At 79 years young, Ed Highnam from Marnhull was the oldest participant completing the 55-mile route. Ed is also a long serving volunteer for the charity and was beaming as he crossed the finish

line. Charlie Bradshaw and George Hyde, (both aged nine), were the youngest to individually complete the 11-mile route from Drimpton to West Bay.

Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Chief Executive Officer said: “Despite the best efforts of weather to put us off, our Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge enjoyed a very successful 11th birthday. The buzz of eager anticipation at Watchet was fantastic and it was great to see so many familiar faces from previous years alongside those who were taking part for the first time.

"I must say that the very heavy rain in the early afternoon presented a physical and mental challenge to even the hardiest of cyclists. I take my hat off to every single rider and at the finish line in West Bay, it had clearly tested everyone. However, it was inspiring to see so many who had pushed themselves way beyond their comfort zone to triumph in the end. Of course, it is when things do not go exactly to plan that the organisers are truly put to the test. I am very proud to say that our team of staff, crew and volunteers who, having spent months planning for various contingencies, really stepped up to support the riders in reaching their goal.”