Worksop cyclist raising money for air ambulances to say thank you after accident

A Worksop man is cycling 125 miles to raise money for the air ambulance which helped him after an accident he suffered earlier this year.
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Mark Paczesny, aged 55 is a keen cyclist and often bikes 70 miles on a Sunday with his friends.

The truck driver who lives on Ashley Road wants to raise money for the Yorkshire and the Nottinghamshire air ambulance services.

Mark said: “Last June I was out cycling with some friends and I didn’t realise that the path had been graveled.

From left Shaun Atkinson , Mark Paczesny, Charles Watkinson , and Mark Roberts will all be doing the charity ride.From left Shaun Atkinson , Mark Paczesny, Charles Watkinson , and Mark Roberts will all be doing the charity ride.
From left Shaun Atkinson , Mark Paczesny, Charles Watkinson , and Mark Roberts will all be doing the charity ride.

“I did a few somersaults in the air and I was in a lot of pain and felt very winded.”

After an ambulance arrived they decided it would be wise to enlist the service of the air ambulance to get Mark to Leeds General faster than by road.

It was the Yorkshire air ambulance that came to Mark’s aid and he says that they managed to put him at ease despite the pain that he was in.

“It wasn’t until after my accident that I realised that the air ambulance is funded by charitable donations,” Mark said.

“I assumed they received money from the government but it’s quite shocking that they are so reliant on public support.”

Knowing this Mark has decided to raise money for the air ambulance service by cycling 125 miles from Worksop to Cleethorpes and back on August 8.

Around 10 cyclists will join Mark for the fundraiser and they will be adhering to social distancing whilst taking part.

“It enhances people's chances to get life-saving treatment.

“I never thought it would happen to me.

Mark and the other cyclists will be stopping for a 45-minute break when they reach Cleethorpes and will be enjoying an ice cream before they start leg two off the journey.

Mark has already raised £570 and is encouraging people to donate, you can do so here.

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