Key Highlights
- Nick Ashdown, a 69-year-old retired business analyst from East Yorkshire, was left paralysed from the neck down after a freak accident during his son’s stag weekend.
- The accident occurred on 19 February 2023 and resulted in spinal injury to C3, C4, and C5 vertebrae, potentially causing permanent paralysis.
- Nick Ashdown underwent two months of rehabilitation at Hull Royal Infirmary before being transferred to Pinderfields Hospital for specialized physiotherapy.
- With dedicated physiotherapy, Nick was able to regain the ability to walk and has since taken up cycling using a tricycle to maintain his passion for the sport.
The Fateful Night on Stag Weekend
Nick Ashdown, a 69-year-old retired business analyst from East Yorkshire, found himself in an unimaginable situation during what was supposed to be a celebration. On February 19, 2023, he and his wife Cheryl were staying at a lodge with friends to celebrate his son Joe’s impending wedding.
While Nick got up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, an accident occurred that left him unconscious on the floor. Upon regaining consciousness, he was completely paralysed from the neck down, a moment he described as “the scariest of my life.”
A Race Against Time
Nick Ashdown was rushed to Hull Royal Infirmary where scans confirmed spinal injuries at C3, C4, and C5 vertebrae. The doctors informed him there was a good chance he would be paralysed permanently from the neck down.
Nick Ashdown: “I remember thinking: ‘Oh, we’ll see. We’ll see.’ My wife was in the background, crying her eyes out.”
Around two months later, Nick was admitted to Pinderfields Hospital’s specialist spinal injury unit for intensive physiotherapy. This hospital is part of the Yorkshire Regional Spinal Injuries Centre and one of 12 such specialized centers in the UK.
Recovery Through Dedication
Nick Ashdown faced significant challenges, losing nearly 20 kilograms due to muscle wastage while bedridden for weeks. His physiotherapy journey began with just an hour a day but quickly ramped up as he regained strength and mobility.
Nick Ashdown: “One of my first sessions of physio, the nursing staff got me out into a wheelchair, and there was a mirror in the ward I was on. I remember looking in the mirror and thinking: ‘Who’s that?’”
By October 2023, Nick could walk with assistance but continued to undergo physiotherapy at home.
He discovered Jorvik Tricycles, which provided him with an accessible way back into cycling.
Nick Ashdown: “The independence is great. The pedalling is helping my hips to rebuild strength and stability too.”
Despite the long road of recovery, Nick remains determined to continue his passion for cycling, aiming to get back on a traditional bicycle in the near future.
A Journey Back to Independence
The story of Nick Ashdown’s accident and recovery is not just about physical healing but also about resilience and hope. His journey demonstrates the importance of specialized medical care and dedicated rehabilitation efforts in overcoming such severe injuries.
