A Penrith triathlete who has been airlifted twice after being seriously injured in separate bike crashes is holding a triathlon event this week to support the charity that came to her aid.
Samantha Sugden from Penrith was on a social bike ride with friends near Keswick when she hit a sinkhole, causing her to be thrown from her bike on August 27 2017.
She sustained injuries to her brain and skull, fractured ribs, a lacerated spleen and an arterial bleed.
The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) flew to the scene and assessed and treated Ms Sugden before airlifting her to the Royal Preston Hospital for further treatment.
It took the mother of two six months to recover from the incident, and she successfully swam the full length of Ullswater in aid of GNAAS and raised about £1,000 for the charity.
However, less than three weeks after the swim, Ms Sugden was unlucky enough to require the services of GNAAS again when, on October 10 2018, she was involved in a collision with a bus while cycling down Kirkstone Pass, near Ambleside.
After being assessed and treated by the GNAAS paramedic and doctor team, she was flown to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle, where she spent seven days recovering.
Speaking in the aftermath of that incident, she said: “I remember everything from this time around, and I knew I’d broken my collarbone, but I thought I was alright. I didn’t realise I’d totally annihilated my spleen and I ended up having life-saving surgery to remove it. I was in a bad way but I am really lucky to still be here.
“GNAAS saved my life and I’m very grateful for their help. My mum, dad, and kids are also very grateful.”
Since 2018 Ms Sugden has competed in the Pontevedra ITU Duathlon World Championships and was the fifth British woman to cross the line. She is now holding a triathlon event on Friday which starts at Lazonby open-air swimming pool.
It costs £20 to take part, with profits being donated to GNAAS. Further information can be found here: https://www.gotri.org/events/go-tri-lazonby-charity—in-aid-of-the-great-north-air-ambulance_12878
