Marathon man Paul thanks NWAA for saving his life

A triathlete is running in Sunday’s 43^rd London Marathon to raise funds for the North West Air Ambulance Charity – just 12 months after the charity saved his life.

Dad-of-two Paul Bradford was four weeks away from competing in the Ironman World Championship in the States when he suffered a horrendous accident in April 2022. He was cycling home after a four-hour ride through North Wales when he became involved in a serious road traffic accident.

The 46-year-old marketing manager suffered a brain injury, fractured skull, broken ribs and a severely injured jaw. Paul spent 10 days in intensive care, nine weeks in hospital, and six months off work.

But now – only days after he visited the North West Air Ambulance Charity base at Barton, Greater Manchester, to thank the crew who saved his life – he is lacing up his trainers to compete in the London Marathon.

Paul said: “Thanks to the crew that day, my wife still has a husband and my children still have a father.”

He added: “While I have no recollection of the incident, I just know the air ambulance crew were amazing. The speed by which they attend a scene and the care they provide saves lives and reduces disability, which would otherwise occur through potential delays on the road to remote destinations by traditional ambulances.

“Until the accident I was not aware that the service is entirely funded by charitable donations. I was astonished by this and will raise awareness and funds to keep the air ambulance in the skies.”