A COURAGEOUS cabbie has suffered broken bones after falling off his bike while on a charity cycle ride down a notorious volcano.

Danny Farmer, 48, thought the worst was behind him after completing a gruelling 350km challenge across Sicily to raise funding for UK Lowe Syndrome Trust.

But while the keen member of Wanstead's Eaton Manor Rugby Club was descending from Mount Etna's summit he came off his bike and broke his wrist and hip in three places.

He said: "I was just cycling along and a guy in front of me had a spoke go on his bike so I slowed down behind him but my front and rear brakes locked up and I just went straight over.

"It's not put me off doing stuff for the charity in the future and things like this again but will just have to be a bit more careful next time and maybe attach some stabilizers to the back wheel!

"I can't believe how much pain I'm in, I've never been in so much agony in all my life."

Danny underwent a four-hour operation to put three pins in his leg and a metal plate in his wrist at Taormina Hospital in the north of the island.

He is expected to have to remain there for a week before being able to return to the UK.

Twenty-two volunteers embarked on the mammoth six-day trip to raise cash for UK Lowe Syndrome Trust.

The charity initiates and funds medical research into the disease which means children are born with cataracts in both eyes, hypotomia, kidney disorders, mental impairment and autistic spectrum behaviour. Patrons include Jonathan Ross and Penny Lancaster.

A spokesperson said: "The cycle challenge is a tremendous achievement and we are very concerned about Danny and wish him a speedy recovery".

Visit justgiving.com/dannyfarmer to donate to UK Lowe Syndrome Trust.