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From serious injury to the Sawston Fun Run on the road to recovery




A medical researcher who suffered serious injuries in a head-on cycling accident that could have left him permanently paralysed is taking part in the Sawston Fun Run & Walk on Sunday, October 4.

Michael Hodskinson is taking part in the Sawston Fun Run Picture: Keith Heppell (42460053)
Michael Hodskinson is taking part in the Sawston Fun Run Picture: Keith Heppell (42460053)

Father-of-two Michael Hodskinson was cycling home to Sawston from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) after dark when he was struck by a cyclist with no lights, as we reported last year. A passing pedestrian found Michael unconscious on the DNA cycle path and he was taken by air ambulance to Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Michael, 45, had suffered multiple broken bones in his face and jaw, as well as damage to his spine - surgeons told Michael that a millimetre difference in the injury could have left him permanently paralysed.

He was treated at the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and is now aiming to raise funds by completing the 4.6-mile route to help support those who have helped him on his road to recovery.

“I had major surgery but I was very fortunate,” said Michael. “Anyone who has had a spinal injury is sent to one of the two national centres and I was sent to Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The care I received there and at Addenbrooke's was exceptional.

“I am trying to raise funds for the local community that supported my family, Spinal Research, and the East Anglian Air Ambulance. When I was discharged from hospital 12 months ago, the thought of even walking that distance would have been extraordinary. My recovery has gone a long way, and I am still seeing improvements.”

Michael Hodskinson is raising funds for Spinal Research and the East Anglian Air Ambulance Picture: Keith Heppell (42460055)
Michael Hodskinson is raising funds for Spinal Research and the East Anglian Air Ambulance Picture: Keith Heppell (42460055)

To support Michael, visit virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?pageId=1204380 .

Registration is closed for the event, organised by the Rotary Club of Cambridge Sawston, and the 100 entrants are aiming to raise a collective £10,000 for good causes. They will raise money for the Sawston Village College minibus appeal, a swimming pool hoist at Sawston Sports Centre, Cambridge Aid, and other local charities and organisations. For more information, visit sawstonfunrun.co.uk .

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