AN IBTHORPE dad who suffered life changing head injuries in a horrifying motorbike crash is hoping to tackle an extraordinary physical challenge to raise money for charity.

Jake Allison, 42, is planning to cycle 850 miles from John o’ Groats to Land’s End this summer – a decade after he was knocked off of his motorbike while riding through Andover.

The dad-of-four was travelling on London Road when a car pulled out of Walled Meadow, sending him flying head first into the vehicle’s front wheel.

The then 32-year-old was left in a coma for ten days and in hospital for six months.

As well as permanent brain damage, Mr Allison also suffered several broken ribs, two punctured lungs, a broken pelvis and numerous broken vertebrae in his neck and lower back.

Despite intensive medical treatment, Mr Allison’s injuries caused noticeable changes to his personality, as well as difficulties with his balance and coordination.

He was later forced to give up his job as a programmer at Test Valley Borough Council.

The driver of the car was later prosecuted for driving without due care and attention and Mr Allison awarded money through a personal injury settlement.

Now, nearly a decade on, the 42-yearold has successfully rebuilt his life. With the settlement from the claim, obtained by Minster Law, Mr Allison was able to open his own dog walking business.

Despite not being back on a motorcycle since his accident, the dad-of-four still cycles.

In 2009, just two years after his accident, he completed a 300- mile cycle from Land’s End to Andover.

Talking about the experience, he said: “It was an extremely challenging yet fulfilling achievement.

“I trained by doing 25, 50, then 100-mile rides over several months to prepare.

“Balance was the biggest issue, followed by concentration. Remembering to unlock my feet from the pedals before stopping took a few falls before it became second nature.”

Now Mr Allison hopes to go more than three times further, and pedal the length of Britain.

In the process, Mr Allison hopes to raise money for brain injury charity, Headway.

Talking about the 850-mile cycle from John o’ Groats to Land’s End, he said: “The difference between this ride and the last is there will be a professional backup support team.

“Although missing out on the camaraderie of friends this time will make it harder.

“My friend completed the ride in five days, whereas I expect it would take me five days to cycle one way, due to my injury.”