A 45-year-old who spent nearly a year in hospital after a life-changing motorbike accident is about to embark on a challenge to support those who kept him alive.
Pedro Santos, 45, from Stowupland, was involved in a serious collision in Hadleigh four years ago.
He broke his spine in the accident and was airlifted to Addenbrokes by the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) crew.
Mr Santos said: "Without them I wouldn’t be here."
After spending nearly a year in hospital and making a strong recovery, he has decided to take part in a charity trek in Cambridge this month to thank the EAAA.
He will be joined by his wife, Beata Grzella, and friends Alan Southerill and Izabella Gniadek as they take on a 2.4-mile course.
He said: "I was nearly a year in hospital and it has been a tough journey.
"Looking back, I’m doing good and thankfully things are a lot better. My message to others is – I know it is hard – but don’t back down. You have to fight and you will see the light."
Despite his injuries, Mr Santos continues to stay active and drives, attends gigs, and regularly watches non-league football at Clapton CFC.
He has also volunteered to help the EAAA and has met and thanked the crew who saved him.
Mr Santos is aiming to raise at least £1,000 for the charity and is planning to do more challenges.
These include covering the distance from Ipswich to Stowmarket in his chair, going coast to coast across the width of the UK for charity and volunteering at an event called ‘Only the Brave’ at Thetford Forest at the end of September.
Ms Grzella, an inclusive and foundation learning lecturer at the Suffolk New College Suffolk Rural Campus, praised her husband’s spirit.
She said: "Pedro is amazing. He is hungry for life. I’m so proud of him for keeping such a positive attitude.
“A year after the accident we got a postcard from the EAAA and it was such a lovely gesture. They do such an amazing job saving people’s lives. It made it easy for us to take on this challenge and give something back.”
She also praised her colleagues for their support during Mr Santos’ recovery.
Craig Shimmon, head of marketing at Suffolk New College, said: “Pedro’s story is full of hope, inspiration and courage and we are backing him, Beata and the team all the way."
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