A courageous father-of-three, who is lucky to be alive after falling down a spectacular Saddleworth icon, vowed he would not forget the unassuming heroes who helped save his life.
Imran Choudhury, 36, from Chadderton, was training for a walk up Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa in aid of The Royal Oldham Hospital and charity Global Relief Trust by scaling the Trinnicle landmark on Saddleworth Moor on 23 February.
But he blacked out and fell from the three-pronged gritstone stack perched on hills at Ravenstones near Dovestones.
The alarm was raised by two passers-by and an 18-strong team from Oldham Mountain Rescue Team rushed to the scene, from where he was winched from the bottom of the crag to a waiting Yorkshire Air Ambulance and flown to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital intensive care unit for urgent medical treatment.
Initially there were fears he may lose his right leg but, after trojan work by surgeons, his leg was saved.
Now despite being wheelchair bound from his injuries, kind-hearted Imran, accompanied by two of his children, delivered a specially cooked biryani meal by taxi to the delighted rescue team's headquarters as a personal thank you.
Members of OMRT tucking in to the meal
An OMRT spokesperson said: “It is testament to his spirit and character he was able to make the journey to Greenfield to pass on his thanks in person.
“Although he has a long road ahead, he is determined to be back hiking the Saddleworth hills, and is already talking of a fundraising walk for OMRT.
“It is always good to hear from the casualties we have helped, especially when they have progressed as far as Imran has from what was a very serious incident.
“Thank you for the delicious biryani, and all the best for a full recovery, from everyone at Oldham Mountain Rescue Team.”
Imran said: "Me and my family wanted to show our appreciation for the what the hospital and the mountain rescue team did for me.
"The rescue team will say they were only doing their duties but if they didn't find me I wouldn't be here today."
Justin Parkinson, OMRT chairman, added: “Imran has got some distance to go, but his positive attitude and approach will get him there and it was a pleasure to see him again.”
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