A GRASMERE man who overcome adversity began a career that would see him work for his community and volunteer for the organisation that helped him.

Will Clark, 37, is the county councillor for Grasmere. He joined the council in 2017 - five years after a biking accident in 2012 that left him paralysed.

Over the years, Will has completed the Helvellyn push with members of his community, and helped support important fundraising which went toward play areas in Ambleside and Grasmere.

He also works closely with Great North Air Ambulance service which carries out hundreds of rescues in the region.

Will said: “I was born in Lancaster but my family have been in Grasmere for over 40 years so have very strong roots to the community.

“I became a councillor five years ago in 2017.

“It wasn’t something that was on my radar at the time but after my cycling accident in 2012 I started to get involved with a lot of volunteer work and activities in the area.

“The job centre said I couldn’t get employment again but I kept trying to get out there and do something.

“It was through the housing association where I crossed paths with Tim Farron, and another former councillor also lived near me. They were the ones who got me involved.

“I got straight into the county council and was thrown into the deep end. It was challenging but it's amazing to see how far we’ve all come over those five years.

“It’s been great working besides so many amazing hard-working people.

“My proudest moment had to be the Helvellyn Push. I had a team push me from Ullswater up to the top. We couldn’t have picked a worst day for it but the fundraising was for Greenbank in Ambleside and the play park in Grasmere. I didn’t realise it at the time how much of an impact it would have.

“My niece who is now three is enjoying those play areas today and it's one of our main passions.

“At the moment I am helping the Great North Air Ambulance by doing some volunteer work. It was them who lifted me to Newcastle so it hits home. It is important to hear perspective from people who have been directly affected by these services.

“I am currently working on improving some of the paths and routes around Grasmere to give them more disabled access.

“We’ll see what the future holds. It will be interesting.”

Will is also supporting the 20 Years of the Great North Air Ambulance Service - Community Talk which will be taking place on September 23.

For information visit eventbite.