69-Year-Old Man Paralyzed at Son’s Stag Do Regains Hope
A 69-year-old grandfather from East Yorkshire, Nick Ashdown, has found renewed hope and passion for cycling following a devastating accident during his son’s stag do. The incident, which occurred on February 19, 2023, left him paralyzed from the neck down, creating fears of permanent paralysis.
Turning Tragedy into Triumph
Nick was celebrating his son Joe’s upcoming wedding with friends when the accident happened. After waking up to use the bathroom, he lost consciousness and was later discovered on the floor. His quick transport to Hull Royal Infirmary and subsequent diagnosis revealed serious damage to the C3, C4, and C5 vertebrae. Medical professionals warned that there was a “good chance” he would remain paralyzed indefinitely.
While hospitalized, Nick faced a challenging recovery. He spent two months at Hull Royal Infirmary, where he was restricted from moving for weeks to allow his spine to stabilize. It was a difficult experience for both him and his wife Cheryl, who struggled to cope with the situation.
Rehabilitation Journey
Once transferred to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, known for its specialized spinal injuries unit, Nick began a rigorous rehabilitation program. The initial physiotherapy focused on building his core strength and combating severe muscle wastage; he had lost 20 kilograms during his hospitalization and felt unrecognizable in the mirror.
- Time spent at Hull Royal Infirmary: 2 months
- Weight loss during hospitalization: 20 kilograms
- Physiotherapy sessions: 1 hour per day, Monday to Friday
Nick remained at Pinderfields until October 2023. His progress surprised the therapists, who initially had doubts about his ability to walk again. Remarkably, Nick was able to regain some mobility and eventually learned to walk with assistance. His journey was marked by hard work and determination.
Rediscovering Cycling
After returning home, Nick continued physiotherapy and even began going to the gym three times a week. However, the ambition to ride a traditional bike remained a challenge. In March 2025, he discovered Jorvik Tricycles, a company in York that offers adult tricycles. The tricycle’s design provided him a more stable riding experience, enabling him to cycle again.
- First significant ride after recovery: 25 miles
- Tricycle features: Electric motor assistance and improved stability
Nick expressed his joy about regaining independence through cycling. Every pedal pushes him closer to full strength, significantly aiding in his rehabilitation process and building his hip stability. His ultimate aspiration remains to ride a regular bicycle once again.
Future Aspirations
Nick’s recovery journey highlights his unwavering spirit and determination to overcome adversity. His primary goal has always been to engage with his grandchildren, which he can now do. As he continues to meet his rehabilitation milestones, he looks forward to getting back on his bike, proving that hope and resilience can triumph over even the most daunting challenges.
