A CYCLIST who crashed against a wall in a Lake District pass is returning to the same road for a cycling challenge to raise funds for an air ambulance that saved his life.

Andy Cross was cycling down Kirkstone Pass on August 30 when he crashed into a wall, rupturing his liver and spleen and puncturing his lung.

A passerby managed to call an ambulance that arrived at the scene, however, on the way to the hospital, Mr Cross's health state started to deteriorate so the air ambulance was called out.

Mr Cross from Northamptonshire was taken to Cumberland Infirmary where he spent four days in intensive care.

Due to the impact of the collision, the cyclist also shattered his shoulder blade and broke his ribs and clavicles.

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The man is now taking The Wheelbase Fred Whitton Challenge - a 112-mile ride starting at Grasmere and taking in climbs of Kirkstone - for the North West Ambulance.

"They saved my life and they save people's lives every day. I want to raise awareness and offer them great support," said Andy.

He explained he is feeling 'pretty nervous' to go down the route where he crashed which he is going to descend for 20 miles.

Andy said: "With the quick efforts of the ambulance service, they contacted the North West Air Ambulance, who provided medical attention and flew me to Carlise. I spent 7 hours in resuscitation whilst the Dr's controlled the bleeding and then spent the next 4 nights in intensive care.

"If it were not for the quick response of the North West Ambulance service and the professionalism of the paramedics, I would not be here now, being able to raise money to help them save more lives.

"I thank them so much, those who assisted me and kept me still at the roadside."

Andy has so far raised £450 of the £1,000 target with 17 donations. He is hoping to meet the target by the challenge day on May 12. 

To help Andy raise more funds visit his Just Giving Page here.