A TETRAPLEGIC Lake District man has been recognised for his tireless charity work and will today receive a special award from Prime Minister Theresa May.

Will Clark, of Grasmere, has been commended for his fundraising efforts for Back Up - a UK charity that helps people rebuild their confidence and independence following a devastating spinal cord injury - and the Great North Air Ambulance.

Both charities helped him recover after he was airlifted to hospital when a cycling accident near Thirlmere left the keen outdoorsman paralysed from the neck down in 2012.

Will is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Will, who sits on Cumbria County Council, said: "I may not have survived my accident if it wasn’t for the early intervention of the Great North Air Ambulance. The Back Up Trust really helped me realise that there is life after a high level spinal injury.

"I am amazed and delighted to have the Prime Minister honour me with a Points of Light award. The support that I have received from friends and family within the local community has really given me the support and motivation to make the most of what opportunities have come my way.

"The injury has not been easy and significantly changed the direction which my life was taking. It has however brought it’s own opportunities. Five years ago I was still in hospital and had just got off the ventilator.

"People say it’s inspirational but as I was active before my accident I still want to be active now and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Will has learned how to sail on Windermere, travelled to Sweden to take part in a ski-karting course and been pushed around the Great North Run half-marathon route to raise more than £8,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance. This year he also took on a new challenge - dubbed Get Will Up A Hill - which saw a team of friends push him to the summit of Snowdon. The challenge marked five years since Will’s accident and saw him raise a further £8,000 for Back Up.

Will has also travelled to Vienna to address an international spinal cord injury conference, is a charity volunteer and, earlier this year, successfully stood as a Cumbria county councillor for the Lib Dems.

His story inspired readers of the Westmorland Gazette to raise £25,000 in donations to pay for Will to have a boat on the Lake District which is specially tailored so that he can use it with his wheelchair.