A Leeds man has completed a Lake District triathlon, a year after a severe accident in the same event left him with life-changing injuries.

Carl Akeroyd, 56, had completed his swim and was 30 miles into his cycle ride when the draft from a passing large vehicle knocked him off his bike.

He recalled laying on the ground, wondering if he could feel his arms and legs, before trying to stand and falling back to the floor.

Mr Akeroyd said: “Another competitor stopped and said ‘stop trying to get up mate, there’s blood pouring from your helmet’.

“I was fully conscious but in a lot of pain and remember thinking I just need some painkillers and I will be able to get up and I’ll be fine – but getting up was a very bad idea.

“The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) arrived but the blood was still pouring from my helmet so they called in help from the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).”

The CSI supervisor's injuries were severe; he had a fractured C2 and C7, broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a broken clavicle and a scalp cut that needed 25 staples.

Despite this, he chose to participate in the same challenging triathlon one year later, saying that the incident had massively changed his outlook on life.

He said: “I went on a trip and ended up lying in a verge in Cumbria. You just don’t realise how transient life is.

“I took part in the Lakesman challenge again this year for GNAAS, exactly 364 days after my accident. Before this year’s event, I cycled past the place where I crashed, and it was very emotional, but I knew I had unfinished business.

“It’s crazy because you think it’s your accident and your story, but having met many of the people who helped and supported me last year, at this year’s race it’s become clear that it’s had a deep and lasting effect on all of us.”

The GNAAS, which does not receive government funding, needs to raise £8.5m annually to remain operational.

The charity has launched a raffle, offering a generous first prize of £10,000 to help it meet the growing demand for its services.

Tickets can be purchased for just £1 at gna.as/raffle_2023.