CHARITY cyclists have been thanked for their efforts by an Army veteran who faced life in a wheelchair after a spinal cord injury.

Students from Risedale Sports and Community College got to meet former soldier Paul Nichol who was left paralysed from the waist down after a training incident.

But with the help of experts - at the MoD’s Headley Court rehabilitation unit and Help for Heroes - he is now walking again, playing golf and wheelchair basketball.

Mr Nichol joined Rob Hood, the supported activities manager at Help for Heroes’ northern recovery centre Phoenix House, in Catterick Garrison, at a cheque presentation ceremony.

A ten-strong party of students and staff at the college raised more than £1,000 by completing a 153-mile coast-to-coast bike ride.

Mr Nichol said: “The recovery centres have helped me get back on my feet when I first thought I would never walk again.

"Phoenix House has also helped me meet people, come out of my shell and take up golf - which I am loving.”

Mr Hood added: “This was a tremendous effort by the students because the coast to coast route is very tough.”

Teacher Neil Fatkin, who took part in the ride, said he was delighted that the students had got to meet someone who had benefited from the work of Help for Heroes.