Key Highlights
- Nick Ashdown, a 69-year-old grandfather from East Yorkshire, was paralyzed from the neck down after an accident during his son’s stag weekend.
- Doctors initially feared he would be permanently paralyzed and suggested surgery with uncertain outcomes.
- Nick chose physiotherapy over surgery and has since regained some mobility through intensive rehabilitation.
- The story highlights the resilience of human recovery from severe physical injuries.
A Miraculous Recovery: Nick Ashdown’s Journey from Paralysis to Cycling
On a seemingly ordinary night during his son’s stag weekend, 69-year-old Nick Ashdown, a retired business analyst from East Yorkshire, found himself paralyzed from the neck down. The accident on February 19, 2023, left him in critical condition and facing an uncertain future.
The Accident and Initial Diagnosis
While staying at a lodge with friends to celebrate his son Joe’s upcoming wedding, Nick got up to use the bathroom late one night. What should have been a routine trip turned into a life-altering experience. He lost consciousness on the bathroom floor and was unable to move anything below his neck.
The paramedics were quick to act, ensuring immediate medical attention at Hull Royal Infirmary.
Doctors diagnosed Nick with a spinal injury affecting the C3, C4, and C5 vertebrae—areas vital for head and neck support and upper body movement. The prognosis was grim: there was a “good chance” he would be permanently paralyzed from the neck down. Nick’s wife, Cheryl, stood by him throughout his ordeal, providing emotional support and encouragement.
Rehabilitation Journey
Nick spent around two months at Hull Royal Infirmary before being transferred to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, home to the Yorkshire Regional Spinal Injuries Centre. Here, he began a rigorous physiotherapy regimen that would eventually help him regain some movement.
Initially lying on his back for several weeks, Nick slowly regained core strength and the ability to sit up. By mid-April 2023, he was discharged from hospital with the goal of further rehabilitation at home.
Despite initial skepticism about his recovery prospects, Nick showed remarkable progress over time. By March 2025, he had even taken up cycling again using an electric tricycle.
The Path to Recovery and Inspiration
Nick’s determination to return to a semblance of normalcy was evident in his daily efforts at physiotherapy. He expressed gratitude for the incredible care received at Pinderfields Hospital, emphasizing how much it helped him during his recovery. “The goal last year was that I wanted to be able to get down on to the floor so I could play with my grandchildren,” he said, adding, “So I did that, which was amazing, absolutely amazing.”
Nick’s story serves as an inspiration for those facing similar challenges. His journey underscores the potential for recovery even after severe physical injuries and highlights the importance of personalized rehabilitation plans.
