A retired policeman, who had his leg amputated after being hit by a car during a surveillance operation, is raising funds for a life-saving charity.

Malcolm Hingle, of Godwin Close, Chingford, will saddle up alongside other amputees as part of a 55- mile charity ride from London's Richmond Park to Windsor's Alexandra Gardens on Saturday (August 29).

The 55-year-old has joined specialist cycling-injury law firm, Slater and Gordon, in a bid to raise £3,500 - the cost of scrambling London's Air Ambulance to treat a critically-ill patient.

Mr Hingle lost his left leg above the knee after being hit by a car while on a motorbike in central London during a surveillance operation in 2006.

The former detective constable was treated at the roadside by a medical team from the LAA.

He said: "London’s Air Ambulance is vitally important to the capital.

"I’ve seen first-hand what a fantastic cause it is.

"My accident was at night and in the vicinity of the Royal London Hospital so an air ambulance crew turned out for me in cars, not a helicopter.

"The doctor and the medical team administered emergency medical procedures to stabilise me at the scene for which I’m extremely grateful.

"Getting expert medical care quickly following a major trauma saves lives.

"I think it’s a wonder and a benefit to London and I can’t believe something so important relies simply on the generosity of the public to keep it going."

He underwent 56 operations over five years in an attempt to save his leg, but it was finally amputated after a number of serious infections.

Determined to stay active, Mr Hingle has taken part in various challenges, including a 100km walk through Jordon for Parkinsons UK, last year's 350 mile Big Battlefield Bike Ride from Brussels to Paris, and last month's Ride London bike ride, among many others.

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