Barrister Beats Three Peaks Challenge for Charity

05/10/2009

A LIVERPOOL barrister has faced the challenge of a lifetime in order to raise vital funds for a specialist spinal unit that helped his best friend walk again.

James Patience, a barrister at Atlantic Chambers in Cook Street, tackled the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge that has been hailed as the UK’s ultimate test of physical endurance and mental stamina.

On August 22, James, completed the ascent of the three highest peaks in Britain - Ben Nevis in Scotland, Snowdon in Wales and Scafell Pike in England - in less than 24 hours.

The 27-year-old was joined by Tom Robinson-Jones, 26, who broke his back in December 2007 while out mountain biking and was told he may never walk again.

James said it is down to the expert care that Tom received at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital Charitable Fund that he is up walking again – let alone able to tackle such a physically demanding terrain over a marathon distance.

James said: “When Tom broke four vertebrae in his spine it was touch and go whether he would ever be able to walk again.

“He was in traction for three months and the staff at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital’s specialist spinal unit made a massive impact his recovery.

“It is amazing that he is back on his feet and Tom always said he would do something to help repay the hospital that took such good care of him.

“The Hospital is a charitable trust so relies on donations to help others – some who may not be as lucky as Tom.”

During Tom’s stay in hospital, he shared a room with Tom Shelley, who had broken his back in a car accident. Not only were both men named Tom, they were also the same age.

The men formed a close bond and Tom Shelley agreed to join the others in climbing the 9700 feet for the hospital who helped him walk again.

James added: “This is a serious event that involves challenging walking over 26 miles and sleep deprivation. We climbed through the dark and there was a constant risk of getting lost.

“But this is about raising money for a really worthy cause. It provided some amazing memories that will last a lifetime.

“It was a real achievement for us all – but was particularly poignant for Tom.”

To sponsor James please visit www.justgiving.com/tomrobinsonjones

For interview opportunities with James Patience please call Atlantic Chambers on 01512364421 or Caroline Innes at Active Profile on 0151 601 8688.

More information about James and Atlantic Chambers can be found www.atlanticchambers.co.uk

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