Chris cycles the length of the UK

For most of us, a broken back, arm, jaw, shoulder and ribs, plus other internal injuries, would be enough to put us off ever getting back on a bike.

However, Beverley man Chris Peach was not to be discouraged and got back in the saddle and back into his running shoes as soon as he could.

The 54-year-old has since returned to long-distance cycling and in August completed Land’s End to John O’Groats over 12 days.

Riding between 80 and 100 miles per day, Chris completed the mammoth challenge in aid of both Macmillan Cancer Support and Angelman Syndrome UK, so far raising around £1,700.

“I’ve never had a bucket list as such, but I do have a vague idea of things I’d like to achieve,” he told Beverley Life. “After my accident, I realised that I could still do what I enjoyed and thought, whilst I can, I’d give it a go.

“I decided I wanted to cycle Land’s End to John O’Groats before my body began seizing up and my wife, Emily, suggested raising money.”

In November 2017, Chris was cycling home from work, as he did every day. As he travelled in the cycle lane on Freetown Way in Hull, approaching the traffic lights at the crossroads with Beverley Road, a HGV turned left and ran him over.

Miraculously, despite the lorry going over his entire body, Chris survived the incident despite lots of broken bones, resulting in a month’s intensive care on a ventilator, a further month on a major trauma ward and then two months on a rehabilitation ward.

Within six months, Chris began a phased return to work and, by August 2018, just nine months later, he was back on his bike, using it as his mode of transport to and from work, using the same route as before his accident.

“Getting back on the bike was a struggle, mainly in a physical sense,” he explained.

“I did try running again, but it’s too painful with the amount of metalwork in my back.

“I have no speed or flexibility needed for running, but I can cycle almost as quickly as I could before my accident and use it as my main way of keeping fit.

“Cycling past where I had the accident initially brought some slightly strange thoughts, but thankfully I don’t remember it at all and believe there is no point in dwelling on the past.

“The driver of the HGV pleaded guilty to causing an accident by careless driving and I hold no grudges against them, it was just a momentary lapse of concentration.”

Chris chose Macmillan Cancer Support as one of the beneficiaries of his Land’s End to John O’Groats ride since it supported his brother, Dean, before he died in May 2014.

Angelman Syndrome UK supports those suffering with the rare neuro-genetic disorder which presents itself with developmental problems, intellectual disability, problems with speech and balance, as well as seizures.

Rufus, the nine-year-old son of Chris and Emily’s friends, has Angelman Syndrome.

Chris said: “I have a history of fundraising, such as running marathons and completing cycle sportives.

When Emily suggested fundraising for my Land’s End to John O’Groats challenge, I couldn’t think of two better charities.

“Macmillan were fantastic in their support and care of Dean and our family during his illness until his passing and continue to conduct tremendous work.

“Angelman Syndrome is a rare condition which Rufus suffers from. The condition also brings frequent laughter and smiling and Rufus is such a smiley and happy boy and it seemed only right to support him and his parents.

“My initial fundraising target was £750, so to have reached £1,700 is so unexpected and shows the generosity of some people, especially in the current climate.”

To donate to Chris’ cause, visit his online donation page at: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/christian-peach-lejog2022.