A retired policeman who had his leg amputated after being injured during an operation is to raise money for people with simialr disabilities.

Malcolm Hingle, 53, from Chingford, and his close friend James Snark, of Nazeing, are to cycle 350 miles next month from Brussels to Paris as part of the 2014 Big Battlefield Bike Ride (BBBR).

Mr Hingle, underwent 56 operations over five years in an attempt to save his leg following a motorcycle accident during a surveillance operation in 2006.

He and Mr Sharpe have since taken on a number of challeneges, including a 100km walk through Jordon for charity Parkinsons UK.

The pair are to set off on June 1 for the seven-day challenge, which will pass through much of the Western Front to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War. 

After arriving in Paris, they will travel back to London and participate in the 10-mile Hero Ride from Blackheath to Whitehall.

The two have so far raised £4,749.00 towards an original target of £5,000, although they now hope to reach £8,000.

His inspiration for the BBBR came following a visit last year to Hedley Court, the Ministry of Defence medical rehabilitation unit in Surrey.

"I met some amazing people and saw some absolutely inspirational things.

"It was unbelievable to see triple amputees still doing sport as a result of our world-class facilities.

"If recent conflicts have affected anything, it is the progression of prosthetics’ of injured servicemen and women."

Mr Hingle met with Chingford and Woodford MP, Iain Duncan-Smith, today as part of his appeal to raise awareness for the bike ride. 

Mr Duncan-Smith said: "I wish them the very best of luck and congratulate them for doing this for such a great cause. 

"It is particularly poignant for Malcolm having lost his leg in the line of duty so I 100 per cent support their challenge and the work of Help for Heroes."

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