A MOTORCYCLIST whose life was saved by the Wales Air Ambulance climbed Snowdon as a thank-you to the medics that helped saved his life.

Mark Kempsell, 30, from Newton-le-Willows, took on the huge challenge a year to the day of his accident, and raised £5,479.

He then visited the Caernarfon Airbase, where he presented the Wales Air Ambulance with his fundraising cheque.

Last year, Mark was involved in a serious accident involving a double-cabbed pick-up truck.

He was thrown approximately 25 feet from the accident site and was knocked out instantly.

The Wales Air Ambulance medics treated Mark at the side of the road before flying him to the major trauma centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

Mark suffered seven fractures to his neck, pelvis, arm, and wrist and fractured his C2 vertebrae, which is normally fatal or results in paralysis, meaning time and treatment were critical.

He also suffered from heavy bruising.

Whilst in hospital he underwent surgery, but complications arose as he had suffered cuts to one of the arteries in his neck.

He spent 13 days in hospital – two of which were in critical care.

As a thank-you, Mark set himself the challenge of climbing Snowdon on the first anniversary of his accident.

He was joined by friends and family during his challenge, and Mark appreciated the support he received on the day.

He said: “It was a tough challenge and incredibly wet and windy, but we did it!

“Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the climb. The money they've so kindly donated will make a huge difference.

“It was a really tough climb, and the pain levels were very high, but thanks to the support from friends and family on the day, we got to the top!

“The weather was awful - horizontal rain and strong winds - but that's just a standard British summer!”

The Wales Air Ambulance service offers advanced critical care across Wales.

It is delivered via a unique third sector and public sector partnership between the Wales Air Ambulance Charity and the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS Cymru).

As a result, the service is consultant-led and is known as a “flying emergency department”, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient at the scene of an incident.

This includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.

The charity needs to raise £8million every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

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Debra Sima, Wales Air Ambulance’s community fundraiser, added: “Mark’s determination is incredible.

“Despite what he has been through, he set himself the challenge of climbing Snowdon on the first anniversary of his accident.

“Fundraisers, like Mark, will help us keep our four helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road.

“Mark has first-hand experience of the incredible work our medics can do.

“Mark, thank you for fundraising for the charity and helping us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us the most.

“A huge thank you all goes to Mark’s friends and family for supporting him during the challenge and donating to his fundraiser. You’re all lifesavers.”