Ollie Thomson said he was recovering well after the 170-km trek, which took in parts of France, Italy and Switzerland and saw him climb five 4,000-metre peaks in the Alps over a period of just seven days.
He said: “I did the Cumbrian Way last year, which is a 130km route through the Lake District, so it’s kind of similar, but it’s not the same altitude or distance per day as the Tour du Mont Blanc.
“I’ve been hiking and mountain climbing since I was 14 or 15, since my accident I couldn’t play most contact sports, so it’s the most accessible for me.”
The 19-year-old has become a season hiker, but at 13 he was involved in an incident with a car while riding on his bike, which saw him require specialist treatment at the children’s hospital.
“A doctor from Alder Hey took me on [at around 14] because they had specialised paediatricians, equipment and staff, and I stayed there until I was around 18,” he said.
Ollie had been hit by the vehicle, which had reversed from a driveway, and come off the bike, landing on his knees.
Ollie Thomson has completed his remarkable 170km trek through the Alps. (Image: O Thomson)
After more than a month in hospital he was found to have blood clots – likely to have been caused by the trauma of being hit by the car.
This led to several surgeries at Alder Hey, whose care and dedication were a comfort to him and his family.
Ollie said: “I’m really grateful for the nursing staff and the doctors and support staff, when I went [the hospital] was classed as underfunded, but the care was still amazing.
“I’m hoping by raising awareness and funds that it will only get better for other kids in the future.”
Ollie Thomson has completed his remarkable 170km trek through the Alps. (Image: O Thomson)
Along with raising more than £1,300 for Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Ollie was able to tick off one of his dream routes.
“I’ve always wanted to Tour du Mont Blanc, it was kind of on a bucket list for when I got older,” Ollie said.
“I’d finished my college course this time last year and will be starting university in September and I knew I wanted to do one big trip [this year] so this allowed me to travel while challenging myself to raise money and awareness.”
Ollie said the support from the community had been ‘amazing’, and seeing donations and messages – when he was able to get signal – along the trail helped to keep him motivated.
He added: “I woke up at like 5am on the last day to push on for the last bit, and a lot of people were starting the trail as I got there to finish and they congratulated me.
“My mum hasn’t really stopped talking about it,” he laughs.
“I sent her pictures while I was away and she’s printed them off, I’d be surprised if someone on my road doesn’t know.
“I reached out to the British Mountaineering Council, who I’d taken out insurance with, to ask if anyone else my age had completed it, and they said as far as they know no one my age had done something like this, which with my condition makes it feel all the more special.”
You can donate to Ollie’s appeal at: Oliver Thomson is fundraising for Alder Hey Children’s Charity