A CLIMBER who had to be rescued after breaking both legs in a 15-foot mountain fall will still take part in tomorrow’s Yorkshire Marathon.

Helen Copeland, 45, was due to run in the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon tomorrow, but has cages and 18 pins keeping her legs in place while her bones heal following the fall in the Peak District in August.

Physiotherapist Helen, who lives in Mount Vale Drive, was climbing at Millstone Edge near Hathersage on August 10, when she fell 15 feet to a ledge 50 above the ground and suffered multiple fractures to both legs, including a compound fracture to her right leg which required emergency surgery.

She can now walk with the aid of sticks, but was determined to raise money and thank the team who rescued her.

She said: “My friend Vicky Sherwood contacted the organisers and offered to do it in my place, but they told her they couldn’t transfer the entry.”

However Vicky, deputy head at The Mount School, was told by organisers that Helen could use a wheelchair to take part.

The pair contacted mutual friend and Paralympian Karen Darke, who put them in touch with Alan Grace in the Lake District, who loaned Helen a hand-driven bike.

Since picking up the bike just two weeks ago, Helen has been out on it four times, and said she was ready to complete the 26.2 mile course tomorrow.

Helen said: “I’m just hoping the other runners can look out for me and I don’t run anyone down.

“I’m very determined and genuinely feeling quite well, give or take the odd day. I just want to do it now, it will be a good thing to do and it’s kept me going the last few weeks, something to focus on.”

Vicky said: “I think what Helen’s doing is amazing. It’s going to be a long haul. She’s just very quiet about everything but I have never seen such determination and this has kept her going. It’s brilliant.”

Helen said: “The team were absolutely incredible.

“They are all volunteers and do incredible work, covering a huge area, so I absolutely want to thank them.

Vicky joined Helen on her rides, and said: “It’s hard, I’ve had a go on it, it’s really difficult but she’s quite strong, being a climber.

“The first time we went out she sped past me shouting ‘Freedom!’, because after so many weeks lying in bed, speeding away on a bike was a big step for her, like a new lease of life. The physio she sees can’t believe what she’s doing. She’s quite an inspiration.”

To donate to Helen’s fund, go to justgiving.com/Helen-Copeland2