AN Urmston man is fundraising for the North West Air Ambulance Charity after he was airlifted to hospital following a devastating motorcycle accident that left him unable to walk.

Andy Price, 36, was thrown off his motorcycle on the M60 motorway in April 2014, and the North West Air Ambulance was sent within minutes to airlift him to Wythenshawe Hospital.

He was found to have extreme injuries, including 19 fractures and a critical wound to the stomach.

Doctors placed Andy in an induced coma and said he would be in hospital for at least five months, but he was discharged in just six weeks and learned to walk again in seven months.

He continues to undergo operations and physiotherapy, but to raise money and give back to the charity, Andy has signed up for the Mission Walk on September 25.

Andy, who lives with partner Vicki Cronin, said: “You can do anything you want as long as you set your mind to it; I refuse to accept being labelled as ‘disabled’. This is a way for me to challenge myself, as well as raising vital funds for the North West Air Ambulance Charity. I have a number of friends and family coming along to support me on the day, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

The Mission Walk will give supporters the chance to raise funds to keep the North West Air Ambulance Charity’s helicopters in the air. Last year, the charity flew over 2,000 rescue missions throughout the region and the service completely relies on public donations.

The Mission Walk participants can choose between two scenic routes - a challenging, picturesque 10km or a gentler 8.5km family walk – which will take place in Wyresdale Park, near Preston.

The walk will begin at 1pm, with registration open from 12pm. In the event village, alongside food stalls and entertainment, participants will have the chance to meet paramedics and to chat to members of the fundraising team. All walkers will receive a t-shirt before the walk and a medal as a reward for completing their mission.

Entry fee is £15 for an adult raising sponsorship, and £7.50 for children aged 6-15 years. To register for the Mission Walk visit nwaa.net/missionwalk or call the team on 0800 587 4570.