A firefighter who suffered a life-changing injury in a cycling accident has been nominated for a national courage award.

Pete Lau has been shortlisted for The Fire Fighters Charity ‘Beneficiary of Courage’ award which will be announced at the Park Plaza hotel, Westminster, on October 2.

Earlier this month, the former Slaithwaite firefighter won The Examiner Community Awards Courage Award.

Pete, 49, of Fixby, become wheelchair bound after suffering spinal injuries during a crash with a car in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, last April.

The Great North Air Ambulance flew Pete to The James Cook University Hospital in Teesside where he was taken straight to intensive care.

Pete, who has risen to the rank of Assistant District Commander for Bradford, spent seven months in hospital which included four weeks in a coma and major surgery to place a metal rod in his back.

KSDL Courage Award left to right, Andy Hirst Examiner head of content, Gareth Davies, Managing Director, Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd, Winner- Pete Lau, Nina Hussain ITN newscaster.

The dad-of-two, who had previously enjoyed mountain biking, kayaking and scuba diving, was moved to Wakefield Pinderfields Hospital a year ago before settling in a bungalow in Bradford, in October.

A Fire Fighters Charity spokesperson said: “Despite suffering numerous knock backs due to the severity of his injuries, Pete continues to be an inspiration to all those who know him, motivating and inspiring other patients in their mental and physical recovery.

“He continues his fundraising efforts for the charity and others, committed to making a difference no matter what.”

Also shortlisted is Cleckheaton Fire Station blue watch who have been nominated for Team of the Year.

Cleckheaton Fire Station Blue Watch with Matt Wood (back row, far right), in turquoise T-Shirt

The team completed a 500-mile bike ride to Amsterdam – followed by the Amsterdam Marathon the next day – raising £7,772 for the charity.

The team was inspired by firefighter colleague Matt Wood, who was diagnosed with stage-four oesophageal cancer 12 months previously.

Other awards include Fire Service of the Year, Best Newcomer, Supporter of the Year, Fire Service of the Year, Corporate Supporter of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Youth of Courage, Adult Hero and Firefighter of the Year.

The Fire Fighters Charity provides support and rehabilitation for fire service personnel.

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