Cyclist who survived serious collision on Heysham bypass to do Lancaster to Morecambe charity walk

A Lancaster man is to walk from Lancaster to Morecambe, less than two years after he was hit by a truck as he cycled along the Bay Gateway.

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Mark (front centre) with wife Paula standing behind and their children Jamie (in military uniform), Joshua and Jenna at the back and Jai-Jai and Joedie in front.Mark (front centre) with wife Paula standing behind and their children Jamie (in military uniform), Joshua and Jenna at the back and Jai-Jai and Joedie in front.
Mark (front centre) with wife Paula standing behind and their children Jamie (in military uniform), Joshua and Jenna at the back and Jai-Jai and Joedie in front.

Mark Bryan was 57 when he was seriously injured after a collision on the Bay Gateway in December 2018.

He suffered a fractured skull along with other serious injuries and was given just hours to live.

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But his long recovery has gone well, and this weekend he will undertake his biggest challenge since leaving hospital to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Mark in hospital after the accident in 2018.Mark in hospital after the accident in 2018.
Mark in hospital after the accident in 2018.

Mark's son, former Morecambe town councillor Joshua Brandwood, said: "Back in 2018, my father, Mark Bryan, was involved in a serious road traffic collision, causing life changing injuries.

"While cycling home from Heysham on the bypass road, he was struck by a truck.

"Upon arrival at the major trauma centre at Royal Preston Hospital, doctors gave dad just hours to live.

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"He sustained a fractured skull, neck, pelvis and 12 broken ribs along with damage to his kidney and bowel.

Mark in hospital after the accident in 2018.Mark in hospital after the accident in 2018.
Mark in hospital after the accident in 2018.

"Subsequent complications meant dad had to undergo a further operation to remove a section of his bowel.

"Doctors also placed dad in a medically induced coma for two weeks to allow his body to recover.

"Thankfully, my dad pulled through and is recovering both mentally and physically to this present day with the support of specialists and his family.

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"He is currently receiving extensive rehabilitation to allow him to walk properly again.

"Tragically, my dad recently lost his mum after battling cancer. Both his parents died from this awful disease.

"This weekend, Saturday September 26 at 8am, my dad will take on the biggest challenge since leaving hospital in memory of his mum Margaret and father Raymond.

"Starting at Lancaster Millennium Bridge, both my mum and dad will embark on a seven-mile walk to Morecambe.

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"Dad plans to undertake this challenge without fully relying on his walking aid."

Proceeds raised from this event will go to Cancer Research UK.

"My family and I are incredibly proud of dad for his sheer determination throughout his recovery," Joshua said.

"This challenge reflects the sheer strength and selflessness of my dad."

If you wish to donate, you can do so here

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