Yorkshire Man Nick Ashdown Paralyzed in Stag Weekend Accident
A 69-year-old man from East Yorkshire, Nick Ashdown, is recovering from paralysis caused by an accident during his son’s stag weekend. This incident occurred on February 19, 2023, while he was staying in Yorkshire with friends to celebrate his son Joe’s upcoming wedding. The accident left Ashdown, a retired business analyst, completely paralyzed from the neck down.
The Accident and Immediate Aftermath
The night of the accident, Ashdown attempted to get up to use the bathroom but lost consciousness. He later regained awareness on the bathroom floor, realizing he could not move. “I don’t really remember the accident,” he stated, recalling it as one of the scariest moments in his life.
After raising the alarm, he was transported to Hull Royal Infirmary. There, doctors diagnosed him with a spinal injury affecting the C3, C4, and C5 vertebrae, critical for head and neck support, movement, and sensation. The prognosis was grim, suggesting a high likelihood of permanent paralysis from the neck down.
Recovery Journey
Following nearly two months in Hull Royal Infirmary, where he underwent several scans and treatments, Ashdown was moved to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. This facility houses the Yorkshire Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, one of the UK’s twelve specialized spinal injury centers. “They were amazing, absolutely amazing,” he remarked about the physiotherapy he received there.
During his time in the hospital, Ashdown lost nearly 20 kilograms due to muscle wastage. He started physiotherapy with just an hour daily, which he found exhausting after a lengthy period of inactivity. Despite these challenges, he experienced gradual improvements. By October 2023, Ashdown could walk, albeit not perfectly.
Rekindling a Passion for Cycling
Nick Ashdown and his wife, Cheryl, had previously enjoyed cycling extensively, covering 250 to 300 miles weekly. After his recovery, he longed to return to this passion. His breakthrough came when he discovered Jorvik Tricycles, a manufacturer of adult tricycles in York, which provided him with an electric tricycle. This adaptation allowed Ashdown to cycle once again, requiring less core strength and supporting his recovery.
Since starting to ride the tricycle, Ashdown and Cheryl have completed a 25-mile journey together. He expressed joy in regaining some independence. “The pedaling is helping my hips to rebuild strength and stability,” he noted.
Looking Ahead
- Accident Date: February 19, 2023
- Initial Diagnosis: Paralysis from neck down due to spinal injury
- Weight Loss: Nearly 20 kilograms during hospital stay
- Rehabilitation Duration: Approximately 8 months at Pinderfields Hospital
- Best Cycling Distance on Tricycle: 25 miles
As for riding a traditional bicycle again, Ashdown has not attempted it yet but remains optimistic about the future. “It’s on the horizon,” he said, expressing his determination to fully embrace cycling once more.
