A MAN who was paralysed in a sports accident wants to help people in the same situation lead more independent lives by undertaking a charity bike ride.

John Mackness, 71, from Burton-in-Kendal, will be cycling 320 kilometres over five days on the island of Bali to raise £1,500 for Regain; a charity which aims to improve the independence of people who have become severely paralysed as a result of a sporting accident.

Mr Mackness, who lectures part-time at Lancaster University, was 20 when he broke his neck while playing rugby.

"I was playing on the front row, and the scrum collapsed on me. I was totally paralysed on all four limbs," he said.

Two weeks after the accident he was sent to a specialist spinal unit in Sheffield.

"I began recovery, and after one year I was able to walk with sticks but now I am wheelchair bound."

Mr Mackness, to whom staying active after his accident was very important, discovered handcycling in 1990 and still pedals 10 to 15 miles a day either alone or with his wife Jenny.

"Someone told me about handcycling, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed because I wasn't able to walk long distances. It keeps me fit and gives me plenty of fresh air."

Funded by Rugby Football Union's Injured Player's Foundation, Mr Mackness' hand bike is maintained by Dyno Start cycle shop in Carnforth.

This is not his first charity ride as he cycled in Northern India two years ago and completed a triathlon last year to raise money for St John's Hospice in Lancaster.

"I enjoy the freedom of handcycling. It's fantastic for your independence, and it's a nice experience to be able to cycle routes on your own," he said. "Disabled people often have to rely on others but when you're handcycling, you are just by yourself.

"I have found the cycling community very inclusive, and many able-bodied cyclists wave at me as they go past."

Mr Mackness, who has been training for his Bali ride since the beginning of the year, is looking forward to the challenge.

"I'm a tetraplegic person raising money for Regain charity, that's what I want to do. They do great work, and I want to support it."

Visit Mr Mackness' fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/John-Mackness1