A brave biker, who miraculously survived a head-on collision with a lorry in India, is to defy the odds and run the London marathon later this month.
Roy Clark, 48, from Wandsworth, woke up in intensive care in a southern Indian hospital in February last year following the horrific crash not knowing if he would ride a motorbike or even walk again.
The collision left him a pelvis broken in five places, six broken ribs, a shattered vertebrae and fractures to his shoulder and hand.
But having returned to the UK and made a surprising yet full recovery Mr Clark is ready to join the 37,500 runners and pound the streets of London on April 21 to raise £100 per mile for children's charity The Rainbow Trust.
He said: "Having got to know Rainbow Trust in my role as guide on many fundraising adventure trips across India, I know just what a difference their work makes and the role they play in providing emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness.
"And so, when running the marathon became a very real option, I was determined to continue fundraising on their behalf."
"As a result of another accident just over five years ago, which nearly cost me my foot, I think it’s fair to say training is quite a challenge.
"However, knowing the uphill struggles the children supported by Rainbow Trust face on a daily basis, I’m determined to finish the course and raise all the money I can."
Accompanying Mr Clark along the 26.2 mile journey will be a 6in Rainbow Trust bear mascot that accompanied him across India.
He added: "This little chap has travelled across India with us throughout all my Rainbow Trust adventures and as he now lives with me I thought it would be a shame if he missed out on this one."
To sponsor Mr Clark visit virginmoneygiving.com/Roytakesonindia2012.
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