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Paralysed man reaches peak of Pen y Fan mountain

Pen y Fan: Watch paralysed Jon Hobbs reach top of mountain

A man paralysed in a diving accident 17 years ago has reached the summit of the highest mountain in the southern half of Wales, with with a little help from his friends.

Despite some wintry weather Jon Hobbs, from Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and his team of helpers got to the peak of Pen y Fan in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

The team used an adapted wheelchair for the challenge to raise money for the charity Spinal Research.

"Everything went to plan, despite the wind and hailstones hitting us at the top," said Jon, 39.

Jon was a rugby-playing 22-year-old when his life was "changed forever" on holiday with friends at the Spanish resort of Magaluf in 2007.

There he broke his neck and lost all mobility from the waist down.

"It wasn't easy, but we got up quicker than we thought," said Jon, after the climb and descent took two-and-a-half hours.

"And the view from the top when the weather cleared was amazing."

Jon Hobbs Jon Hobbs and helpers climb Penyfan Jon Hobbs
Jon Hobbs is helped up Pen y Fan by his support team

It was his first time up Pen y Fan, and about 35 other people took it in turns helping to push his customised chair.

"It was harder for them than for me, especially coming down as parts of it were brutal," he said.

"It was amazing to have such a great team and I just want to do another one now."

He thanked his friends and family, including his rugby club, for always having been with him "through thick and thin".

“Over the past 17 years I’ve tried to live as normal a life as possible," he said.

"I’ve overcome many hurdles and built a great life, so now I’d like to push myself out of my comfort zone to give something back to help others.”

Spinal Research Photo: Lloyd Collier (l) with close friend Jon Hobbs who are taking part in epic challenges in April to raise money for Spinal Research.Spinal Research
Lloyd Collier (l) says he knew he had to help Jon achieve his goal

Among those who helped Jon reach the peak was his friend Lloyd Collier.

Originally from Pontyclun, but now based in Australia as an emergency medicine consultant, Lloyd called the moment "really emotional".

"Having carried Jon all of the way to the top I realised how walking is something all of us take for granted," he said.

"Two very important people in my life, Jon and my late uncle Alun, sustained spinal cord injuries in their twenties.

“Despite this they have both been inspirational for me in their resilience, so I really wanted to be with Jon when he made it to the summit.”