Update: We’ve received news via the PMBA on Callum’s condition. After having surgery Callum is now able to sit up, is in good spirits and already planning for his future. While the surgery went well there is only so much modern medicine can achieve and his injuries will never fully heal, he will be spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair.
Callum is upbeat about his situation though and will be meeting with Southport spinal rehab center soon and hopes to begin training again and get back to competition in the future.
The PMBA is currently discussing the possibility of donating funds from this week canceled race at Gisburn Forest to Callum and the Air Ambulance Services in place of a refund. A gesture we’re sure all who hoped to attend will happily get behind.
A Just Giving page set up for Callum this weekend has already reached £8,827 and growing.
Original article follows:
Orange Factory Rider and PMBA Ambassador, Callum Russell, has been seriously injured while riding at Gisburn Forest, Lancashire, this weekend.
Information on the accident is scarce at the time of writing but what we have learned is that Callum came off his bike at Gisburn Forest and was treated at the scene by an air ambulance crew. An early post from the PMBA Enduro organisers made it clear the incident was serious.
A later post on Callum’s Instagram thanked the emergency services while confirming that he has broken his back and severed his spinal cord.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgcQmIFjr91/?taken-by=callumrussell725
We understand that he has had surgery over the weekend but we have no information on how he is currently doing.
Orange Bikes has also posted the news on their social media accounts, where family, fans, and fellow riders, have been posting messages of support to Callum. PMBA organisers are in touch with Callum’s family and a Facebook post states that they’ll be updating there once there is any further information on his condition or a verified Just Giving page.
We’ve also heard news of another mountain biker who was rescued by Calder Valley Search And Rescue Team over the weekend. The rider called for assistance while riding close to Warland Reservoir, West Yorkshire, after becoming hypothermic and unable to continue.
Our thoughts are with both riders, and let’s not forget those rescue teams that saved both of them and many other riders every day.
While we all go out riding to have a good time news like this reminds us that things can turn nasty very quickly and we’re lucky to have rescue services that can come to our aid. With this in mind, it might be worthwhile thinking about sending a donation to the Air Ambulance Services or Calder Valley Search & Rescue, and double checking your kit list and first aid skills. Stay safe out there!
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There’s a Justgiving page to support Callum’s recovery here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/CallumRussellMTB
Do we really need a picture of him experiencing the worst day of his life?
@zippykona that is the photo that Callum actually posted himself to thank the emergency services. Sorry, you don’t want to see this photo, but this is what Callum wanted us to see.
Fair enough.
That is cringe worthy stuff, A BROKEN BACK!
Argghhhhhhhhouch!
Makes my back even twinge.
Best wishes to Callum and his family. Stay strong, I imagine there’s a hell of a lot of love and support about to come your way.