A BRANSGORE medic who was seriously injured in a fatal collision has completed his challenge of climbing Africa’s highest mountain – Mount Kilimanjaro.

Rich Riley joined more than 30 others on a four-day climb to the summit to raise money for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance – the charity that saved his life in 2013.

Rich was a paramedic based at Lymington when his ambulance was involved in a serious collision while he was caring for his patient in the back as it travelled towards Southampton General Hospital.

He suffered a broken neck, back, arm, shoulder and ribs as well as a punctured lung and damaged spleen.

Speaking about his experience Rich said: "I am very grateful to all who have supported me in raising money for the air ambulance. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was genuinely the hardest thing I have ever done, luckily the guides were able to carry my backpack when my back and neck were too painful."

During the journey to the summit he had to endure the hot and humid conditions, face the risk of altitude sickness due to the thinness of the air and overcome constant neck and back pain as a result of his previous injuries.

He reached the top in the early hours of February 13. After a short stay at the top, Rich and his fellow climbers headed back down to a camp a bit lower down on the slopes to recover before making their way down in stages.

In recognition of the support given to him on his challenge Rich carried the logos of UNISON, Bransgore and District Rotary Club, Bransgore Primary School and the Bransgore Community First Responders on his backpack.

He was also accompanied by Croydon Boy – a paramedic teddy bear, handmade for him by his work colleagues and given to him while he was recovering in hospital after the collision.

It costs about £4,500 a day to operate the air ambulance.

Rich hopes to raise just over £5,000 while the whole team hope that in due course, their climb will raise £153,000, which is enough to keep the air ambulance flying for just five weeks.

Rich added: "I think the fast response by the air ambulance and the skills of the medical team on board probably saved my life and what I have done is just my way of saying thank you.

“Anyone, anywhere, anytime could need their help and they need our support."

To make a donation go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ RichardRiley80 or text HEMS56 £5, £10 etc to 70070 or contact Bransgore Community First Responders on 0844 500 9699.