Amputee to complete huge trek
A HORROR crash just two years ago - which resulted in a driver’s leg being amputated - won’t get in the way of him completing a 24-mile charity trek up three mountains this weekend.
Craig Walton, who was working as a lorry driver, suffered a life-changing below-the-knee amputation on his right leg after the head-on accident in November 2021.
But now Craig, alongside a group of 28 close friends and family, will take part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund - a charity close to his heart.
The charity, which supports the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, was chosen after Isaac Davison - a friend’s son - was born with a rare condition.
After four open-heart surgeries and a long hospital stay, Isaac lost his battle when he was just four months old.
They are participating in the walk - which takes in Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough - to honour Isaac’s memory and to raise money for the charity that made life easier for their family during Isaac’s hospitalisation.
In doing so, they will cover a distance of 24 miles, climbing 1,585 vertical feet, which they hope to complete in just 12 hours.
The 33-year-old, from Mapplewell, said: “It’s taken a lot of effort, but I’m physically fitter and stronger than before the accident.
“I’ve already obtained my level three personal trainer qualification, but I’ve not just developed my physical fitness.
“The challenges I’ve faced due to the accident and the adjustments required to embrace a new way of life with my prosthetic have helped me build my psychological resilience.
“It’s allowed me to stay on top of my mental health and wellbeing and keep a positive attitude.”
The dad-of-one said he was left stunned after hearing paramedics talk of a ‘possible amputation’ at the scene of the crash on the A19, near Doncaster.
“Now, I want to help others - even if I can help just one person overcome adversity, I will consider it a huge success.
“To tackle the difficult terrain, I plan to use my lightweight blade to help me up the ascent and switch to a foot for the descent.
“I didn’t think it’d be possible but Dorset Orthopaedics have made it so it is - it’s going to be a challenge but one that’s doable.”
Craig spent eight days in hospital, where he went on to make a set of daily and monthly goals for his life moving forward.
Ten months to the day of his accident, he conquered Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, and began training to become a fitness instructor a year ago.
Craig added: “I also did the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in 2019 and vowed to never do it again, but it’s for such a worthy cause as little Isaac lost his life so we’ll be thinking of him throughout.”