A dad-of-one who needed the help of an air ambulance has marked the 10-year anniversary of his accident by raising £1,600 for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Brian Ruddin, 52, from Partington, Manchester, suffered a significant fall while descending Red Gill after reaching the Scafell summit in the Lake District. He fell 60ft and broke his foot, shoulder in six places, as well as suffering other injuries.

11 team members were involved in his rescue, which saw him being airlifted to West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven. Since his fall Brain and his wife, Lisa, have regularly fundraised for the mountain rescue and air ambulances.

Brian and his walking group called ‘The Posse’ have been involved in raising over £16,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.

Brian originally planned on climbing Snowdon six times on four consecutive days to fundraise for the charity, but due to Covid-19 restrictions and lockdown, he had to resort to Plan B. He instead walked the full length of the Bollin Valley Way every day for four days because it was close to his home. The Bollin Valley Way is a 25-mile trail which runs from Partington to Macclesfield. 

Speaking of why he decided to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance, Brian said: “Nine years ago, I did the 200-mile coast-to-coast walk to raise funds for the Mountain Rescue. To mark the 10-year anniversary, I thought it would be good to do something for an air ambulance. I spend most of my spare time in North Wales, so the Wales Air Ambulance was an easy choice.

“If anyone can spare a few pennies for this wonderful charity and help me to give something back that would be appreciated.”

The challenge had many ups and downs for the delivery manager. He said: “A combination of bad weather and terrible ground conditions underfoot made every step gruelling. As the ground was so boggy and wet, it was hard to keep your feet dry which inevitably led to blisters on day one, so my feet had to be taped up each morning before setting off and I needed a constant supply of painkillers to get me through the miles.

“The highs included being joined by a fellow walker Jill Entwistle on day 2, and on day 3 by Michelle O'Brien - for moral support. Having someone to walk with on those days definitely got me through the hard times.

“I can honestly say it was the hardest and most challenging fundraiser I've done to date - and I've done a few!” 

Brian, who is dad to Jake, 20, fortunately went on to make a full recovery following rehabilitation.

Reflecting on how much he has raised previously for the charity, he said: “We like to think there's a possibility that many people are still alive today because of the fundraising we have organised. If that's the case, then all the sleepless nights and worry have been worth it, and we will definitely be back next year to hopefully add to the total.”

Mark Stevens, a fundraising manager with the charity, said: “I can reassure Brian and his supporters that they will have helped many people across Wales in their time of need. This ongoing support is hugely appreciated by our charity. It is especially important now as we have become a 24/7 service which needs to raise £8 million every year to keep the helicopters flying.”

You can show your support to Brian by sponsoring him via his Just Giving page 4x4=100 - Bollin Way 4 Times.