Charity payback from Burley climber injured in Peak District (From Ilkley Gazette)

Charity payback from Burley climber injured in Peak District

8:00am Sunday 16th September 2012 in Local news By Jonathan Redhead, Ilkley/Otley Reporter

A climber who seriously injured his leg in a 30ft fall is hoping to raise more than £6,000 for the organisations that helped rescue him.

Andy Parkin was with a group climbing at Stange in the Peak District on July 15 when the accident happened, leaving him with four broken bones in his right leg and ankle and a torn tendon.

Edale Mountain Rescue arrived within ten minutes of the incident, and Mr Parkin was flown to Chesterfield Royal Hospital by the Derby-shire Leicestershire Rutland Air Ambulance, where he was operated on and his ankle screwed and plated.

Now the 41-year-old, from Burley-in-Wharfedale, wants to repay the rescue teams, and will be embarking on a series of fundraising events to raise money for both during the next 12 months.

Mr Parkin has organised a charity golf day at Keighley Golf Club with a meal after in the Red Lion pub at Burley on September 28.

He also plans to cycle from John O’Groats to Burley-in-Wharfedale with three friends on May 3 next year, covering a distance of 512 miles over five days.

“The reason I’m doing this is to give something back to the people who helped me,” said Mr Parkin, who is still recovering from his injuries after the fall.

“Nobody knows when they will need the services of the air ambulance.”

A number of other charity events are planned, such as a race night and a sponsored climb.

Wharfedale Sandwich Company and The Red Lion are helping co-ordinate the fundraising.

Mr Parkin, a director of an insurance brokers, has set up a website that has further details about his accident, the charities and various fundraising events and how people can donate.

Visit charityfundraising-2013.co.uk to find out more or e-mail andyparkin.charity-2013@gmail.com for details.