A man who broke his back in a horrific accident is preparing to tackle one of the world’s toughest physical challenges.

Ian Thwaites was riding a triathlon bike when his glove became caught on its handlebars, swerving him into the path of an oncoming van.

The 34-year-old careered towards a dirt bank and flew off his bike, breaking four vertebrae.

The father-of-two spent four days in hospital, four weeks with concussion and was told he could not exercise for a year.

The triathlete, who has represented Great Britain multiple times, said: “When I crashed I thought about my wife and baby, then mostly about the pain.

"I realised I was winded and as soon as my breathing returned I felt a sharp pain between my shoulder blades.”

Now, 15 months on, Mr Thwaites is training to take part in the Brutal Extreme Double Ironman.

The Tunbridge Wells resident will tackle a 5-mile lake swim - in 13 degree water - a 230 mile bike ride with 5,000m of elevation before running up and down Mount Snowdon.

Finally, after 24 hours of racing, he will complete a double marathon - a huge challenge in its own right.

Mr Thwaites began searching for this latest challenge, which he will tackle in September, after becoming inspired by children aided by charity, Level Water, which he runs.

The organisation teaches disabled children to swim, and Mr Thwaites, of St John’s Road, believes his experience provided a glimpse of the difficulties they face.

He said: “During my recovery I thought about how difficult the children’s day-to-day lives are and how much they will miss out on if they can’t play sport. I resolved to get fit and do a fundraising challenge for them.”

Mr Thwaites added: “People usually train 12-18 months for this, I’ve got four months. But I’ve got a big reason to prove that I’ve recovered from my accident and an even bigger reason to never stop.”

More than £2,000 has already been raised for Level Water, to donate visit www.justigiving.co.uk/back-to-front