Kirkstone Pass: Wall crash cyclist meets up with rescuers

Andy Cross and his family with paramedics Jules Funnell and Alex Heasman, and, far right, Lee Salmon of GNAAS

A cyclist who was seriously injured in a crash on a road in the Lake District has met the medical teams who came to his aid.

Andy Cross punctured his lung and ruptured his spleen and liver when he smashed into a wall at high speed on the Kirkstone Pass.

He met paramedics and members of the air ambulance team, whom he credits for saving his life.

"I am happy to be here today to say thank you," said Mr Cross.

The cyclist, from Northamptonshire, also broke his shoulder and four of his ribs in the crash on 30 August.

He revisited the scene of the accident and told BBC Radio Cumbria: "There's not a day that goes past when I don't think of the Samaritans that were there, the police that arrived, the paramedics, the air ambulance, the doctors at the hospital.

"Without them, I wouldn't be here."

Andy Cross plans to do a 112-mile cycle in May going past the scene of his accident

Mr Cross blacked out immediately after the accident and was helped by passers-by. They included an off-duty police officer and two nurses, who called for an ambulance.

Paramedics Jules Funnell and Alex Heasman were first on the scene that day in their ambulance from Kendal, and they were able to stabilise Mr Cross before the air ambulance arrived.

Mr Cross was then airlifted to Cumberland Infirmary and spent four days in intensive care.

"It was really lovely having a really good outcome," said Mr Heasman.

"Seeing Andy back fit and well and meeting his family, it was such a privilege. Just being a small chink in the chain, we really appreciate that."

Andy now plans to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service

Now as he continues his recovery, Mr Cross plans to get in the saddle for the Fred Whitton Challenge, a gruelling 112-mile one-day cycle in the Lake District next May.

He will use it as a chance to raise money for the Great North Ambulance Service.

"I am doing it to get myself back on the bike, to get my confidence up and to raise money," he added.

"It's my way of personally getting over this, cycling past the scene of the accident and being on the route.

"It's something I am going to take forward for the rest of my life."

Kirkstone Pass, between Ambleside and Patterdale, is an accident black spot