AN ULVERSTON paramedic who was a victim of a drunk hit-and-run has won a national award after his amazing fundraising work.

Jack Talbot's life hung in the balance in July 2017 after he was thrown from his bike in the horror smash minutes from his home.

After being placed in a coma for 13 days and spending five weeks in hospital, Jack made a miraculous recovery and began his mission to thank the North West Air Ambulance service, who he says saved his life.

One year on since the crash, Jack got back on his bike and rode coast-to-coast to raise money for the NWAA.

The paramedic and dozens of other cyclists set off from Walney at 4am on a journey which would take them 14 hours and 150 miles to the Wallsend in Newcastle.

His target was to raise £3,000 but Jack smashed his total, raising over £7,000 to say thanks to the service which saved him.

His efforts and determination have not gone unnoticed, and on Wednesday night in London, Jack won the Cycling Weekly Magazine Best Charitable Initiative Award.

Upon receiving his award, Jack said he was speechless when his name was read out.

He said: "I genuinely could not believe it, I was lost for words.

"I remember the announcer saying my name and I was gobsmacked.

"He actually said my name twice because he said it quietly the first time, but I remember thinking 'did he really say my name?'

"I walked onto the stage and I was lost for words, I thought I had no chance of winning but to actually be awarded with his accolade is something I will cherish forever."

Cycling Weekly were looking for individual or group who set out on their bikes to raise money or awareness for a good cause, and the Ulverstonian did just that.

The magazine announced a three-person shortlist in October.

Jack has thanked everyone who has helped him along his incredible journey and said he is more determined than ever to carry on his charity work.

He said: "I just want to thank every single person who has supported me throughout everything.

"From the crash, my recovery, my fundraising and voting for me, it means the world."

Jack also thanked his fiancée Joanna, who he says has been his rock over the last 18 months.

He said: "I could not have done any of this without her, she been amazing.

"I want to thank her for all her support and helping me along the way."