A 69-year-old grandfather from East Yorkshire is defying the odds after a life-altering accident left him initially paralyzed from the neck down. Nick Ashdown, who took up cycling in his early 50s, had previously enjoyed an active lifestyle cycling between 250 and 300 miles weekly alongside his wife, Cheryl, 61. The couple tackled numerous challenges, including a coast-to-coast ride and a journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
On February 19, 2023, during his son Joe’s stag weekend, Nick’s life changed dramatically. After getting up in the night to use the bathroom at a lodge, he fell and lost consciousness. Upon waking on the bathroom floor, he discovered he was unable to move, marking what he described as the scariest moment of his life. Nick was quickly transported to Hull Royal Infirmary, where scans revealed a spinal injury affecting the C3, C4, and C5 vertebrae. Doctors informed him that there was a “good chance” he would remain paralyzed from the neck down permanently.
Despite the grim prognosis, Nick remained optimistic, recalling that he thought, “Oh, we’ll see.” His wife, understandably upset, was later overwhelmed with emotion when Nick demonstrated the ability to move a finger, a significant milestone during his hospitalization.
Nick spent about two months at Hull Royal Infirmary, where he underwent various treatments and therapies. Initially confined to his bed, he progressed to sitting up at 30 degrees, as the medical team cautiously monitored his recovery. Despite being offered elective surgery to address his spinal condition, Nick chose to forgo the procedure due to the associated risks, including potential changes to his voice.
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In mid-April 2023, he was transferred to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, recognized as one of the top spinal injury centers in the UK. “The physiotherapy there was incredible,” he noted, as he began the slow process of rehabilitation. Nick faced extreme muscle wastage from his extended time in bed, losing nearly 20 kilograms and struggling to recognize his own reflection.
His rehabilitation included an hour of physical therapy five days a week, along with occupational therapy sessions. The initial pace felt slow but was essential given his prior inactivity. Nick expressed his exhaustion at the end of his first weeks of therapy but remained committed.
After six months at Pinderfields, Nick could “just” walk, albeit unsteadily. His physiotherapists were pleasantly surprised at his progress, having initially doubted he would regain such movement. Since returning home, Nick has maintained a rigorous routine of physiotherapy and gym workouts.
In March 2025, he discovered Jorvik Tricycles, a company that manufactures adult tricycles. This development allowed him to return to cycling with the aid of an electric tricycle, which requires less core strength and provides additional stability. The longest ride he has completed with Cheryl on the tricycle is 25 miles. Nick emphasized the joy and independence that cycling has brought back into his life.
Looking forward, he remains determined to achieve his goal of regaining more mobility, particularly so he can play with his grandchildren. As for cycling on a traditional bike, he stated that it is “on the horizon,” with aspirations to try it again soon. Nick’s inspiring journey showcases resilience and the transformative power of rehabilitation and passion for cycling.
