Thousands raised by family effort in Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for paralysed dad-of-two

FAMILY members conquered mountains to boost a fundraising campaign for a dad-of-two who is paralysed for life.
Belinda Dickins
By Belinda Dickins
Published 9th Sep 2020, 16:42 BST
The family of Simon Cooper, who was paralysed after a freak accident when he slipped on a paddling pool in Gosport, have taken on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for his rehabilitation and home adaptationsThe family of Simon Cooper, who was paralysed after a freak accident when he slipped on a paddling pool in Gosport, have taken on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for his rehabilitation and home adaptations
The family of Simon Cooper, who was paralysed after a freak accident when he slipped on a paddling pool in Gosport, have taken on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for his rehabilitation and home adaptations

A team of close friends and family pulled together to take on the Three Peaks Challenge in 28 hours to raise funds for adaptations to Simon Cooper’s home, who was left paralysed after slipping on a paddling pool in Gosport earlier this year.

Army man Simon’s dad, son, siblings, uncles and friends raised thousands through their latest effort climbing the mountains and battling 60mph winds, to add to the total which stands at nearly £50,000.

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Older brother Mike Cooper said: ‘There were some hard moments but we all pulled each other through. It was a good challenge.

The family of Simon Cooper, who was paralysed after a freak accident when he slipped on a paddling pool in Gosport, have taken on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for his rehabilitation and home adaptationsThe family of Simon Cooper, who was paralysed after a freak accident when he slipped on a paddling pool in Gosport, have taken on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for his rehabilitation and home adaptations
The family of Simon Cooper, who was paralysed after a freak accident when he slipped on a paddling pool in Gosport, have taken on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for his rehabilitation and home adaptations

‘We all had our moments but we pushed ourselves through for Simon and what he’s going through for the rest of his life.’

The team were supported by Claire Wright and Chris Squires from the Trafford veterans’ society, who provided a minibus, head torches, food and more throughout the challenge.

Simon’s younger sister Caroline experienced anxiety and fear during the mountain ascents, especially on the pitch-black ledges, but said she stayed strong for Simon and pushed through to complete the feat.

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Simon Cooper, who was paralysed after an accident in a Gosport garden, pictured with his wife LeanneSimon Cooper, who was paralysed after an accident in a Gosport garden, pictured with his wife Leanne
Simon Cooper, who was paralysed after an accident in a Gosport garden, pictured with his wife Leanne
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Caroline, from Stubbington, said: ‘It was a challenging experience but I’m glad we did it. I have got really bad height issues, even down to the kids rock climbing centres, I can’t do that.

‘It was an achievement and just knowing I was doing it for my brother kept me going. It’s definitely rewarding seeing how well he’s doing, he’s got such a positive mental attitude.’

The 38-year-old has a different view on life since Chippenham resident Simon’s accident in May, which has left him paralysed from the neck down for life and currently being cared for at Salisbury’s Spinal Treatment Centre.

She added: ‘It could actually happen to anybody and you don’t think about it. It’s definitely changed my perspective on things, life is too short.’

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Simon’s son Lee, 18, has been amazed at the support they have received so far, and joined in with the Three Peaks Challenge.

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Lee said: ‘I definitely underestimated it, it was tough but it was good fun. It’s amazing, I never thought it would take off that much.’

With Simon’s recovery progressing faster than the consultants expected, the family have begun to look to the future as Simon’s next step will be to move to the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre in Nottinghamshire before eventually returning home.

Younger brother Rob, from Milton, said: ‘He’s massively positive in himself, he’s achieving far greater than the consultants were expecting him to achieve at this stage.’

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The 40-year-old added: ‘It’s been overwhelming, the amount of people donating. I’m grateful for anything anyone can give, it’s amazing.

‘The sooner we can get him home with his wife and kids, they can start the next chapter of their lives.’

Visit gofundme.com/f/simon039s-home-modification-fund to learn more and donate.

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