A ROOFER who suffered a serious cycling accident vows to give back to the NHS with a 220 mile ride from Appleton to Buckingham Palace.

Fifty-year-old Guy Sell will be joined by friend Tim Grensinger, who lives in Northwich, as they raise money for the orthopaedic ward at Aintree Hospital on July 1.

The pair are hoping to complete the ride in honour of the Liverpool hospital, after Guy received treatment following a cycling accident last year.

He said: "Overall I spent 10 days in two hospitals, including Warrington, and had a three and a half hour operation.

"I was extremely impressed with the care and treatment I received.

"Over the past 10 months I have made several aftercare visits and have always been treated by passionate dedicated staff. In particular, my surgeon who went beyond the call of duty."

The dad-of-two suffered several broken ribs, a punctured lung and damage to his shoulder and collar bone.

"Other surgeons elsewhere had chosen to simply let all of my injuries heal themselves over time, rather than undertake such a complex operation," added Guy, who before the accident would cycle two to three times per week.

"Without this I would have had lifelong problems with my shoulder and would not even be able to put my own shirt on."

As the NHS approaches its 70th anniversary on July 5, Guy said it felt fitting to give something back.

He said: "The NHS is 70 years old this year and I believe it needs our help. This fundraising ride is my way of saying thank you to all of the staff at Aintree hospital.

"I also decided to attempt this ride to help motivate myself back to fitness and to give myself a goal to aim for.

"Training has been difficult. Before the accident, I was quite fit for my age but it really took me back to zero, and it's been hard getting back. I'm still not there and I don't think I ever will be, unfortunately, but I'm better than I was."

The cycling duo plan to leave from Guy's home in Appleton on July 1, taking short breaks every 50 miles in the hope of reaching London within 18 hours.

To date Guy and Tim have raised more than £1,900 for the cause.

Donations can be made at justgiving.com/fundraising/guy-sell