A DOWNTON fundraiser was welcomed home by a crowd of supporters after cycling to Paris.

Chris West took part in a sponsored cycle ride from Downton to Paris in aid of BASICS Hampshire - a charity that helped save his life after a car accident. He set off on his journey on May 27.

Six years ago, he nearly died when the car he was travelling in came off the road in Dorset. A volunteer emergency doctor from BASICS Hampshire operated on him at the roadside – ensuring he survived the journey to hospital.

The 22-year-old, who cycled more than 200 miles in three days , said: “It was hard work but brilliant.”

During the accident Chris sustained head and internal injuries. He was left with problems with his sight and hearing, and also weakness on his left hand side. However, he says cycling has helped his recovery.

“I’m still coping with all that,” adds Chris, “But training with the team has been all my therapies wrapped up in one. Rehab on two wheels.

“I’m physically fitter, mentally brighter, and much more confident. But possibly the best thing of all – I’ve met so many people through cycling.”

Ever since the incident he has been fundraising for the charity. Last year he tried to do the bike ride to Paris but was unable to do the whole journey.

Chris was met by his family, Fordingbridge firefighters who helped extricate Chris from the car during his accident, and Dr Howard Simpson from BASICS Hampshire, when he cycled to The Bull in Downton.

His mum Sarah added: We’re so proud. He did a difficult ride day after day. When he phoned us from the Eiffel Tower in Paris he was exhausted but high as a kite on his achievement and so were the team who cycled with him.”

So far Chris has raised more than £1,000 for the charity.

To boost funds for the charity he took part in a static bike ride in Fordingbridge and Ringwood before setting off on his Paris challenge and also held a fundraising supper at The Bull Hotel in Downton.

BASICS Hampshire supports volunteer emergency doctors, who provide hospital-level help for the critically ill before the hospital takes over.

Chris said: "And don’t call me car crash Chris from now on. Thanks to road-biking, that’s not how I see myself anymore.”

To make a donation go to justgiving.com/Chris-West4/