Two years ago, Laurence Bowen was cycling home from work through Canford Cliffs when he was in accident with a car, leaving his right hip shattered and doctors warning he would never run again.

But next weekend he'll line up with thousands of others on the start line of the London Marathon to raise money for Children with Cancer UK.

He said: "Looking back on the accident, I was lucky as I was just millimetres away from rupturing the major artery in my leg. If I had been flipped over by the impact, I could have landed more severely on my head and neck.

“We had been lucky enough to get some swimming final tickets for the London Olympics and were planning to go as a family the Monday after the accident.”

Laurence, an architect, ended up watching the finals from his hospital bed in Southampton where an expert team of surgeons spent seven hours carefully piecing the shattered hip socket back together.

Laurence’s normal routine of running and cycling was cut dead - but the opportunity to watch the Olympics and the ParaOlympics was inspirational.

“I had great support from my family, friends and locals and this pushed me to get back on my bike, literally!”

Only 6 months after the accident Laurence visited the Alps and managed to ride some of the most iconic Tour de France climbs, like Alpe d’Huez and the Col de Galibier before taking on a 4 day ride through the Pyrenees from coast to coast last summer.

But his major challenge was to get back to running, after his surgeon told him he wouldn't and shouldn't run again.

 He said: “My heart sank however I have a track record of trying to prove people wrong and started running again last summer.”

But his injury means his technique has been altered and he's need a lot of physiotherapy to keep him going.

“The marathon will be tough and although I have a very personal goal the major focus is completing the run and raising as much money as I can for Children with Cancer UK. As a father of two beautiful children its easy to take their health for granted however over 3600 families a year are struck with childhood cancer.

“The struggles I have had over the last couple of years following the accident pale into insignificance when compared to the fight against cancer that these brave children and families that have to live through.

"They are the real superheroes and their stories are becoming more and more about hope and survival as medical science keeps making break throughs. That is why this charity is so important because we can all make a real difference."

Laurence has raised nearly £4000 but would like to target £5000. For more information, go into Candleworld in Swanage and donate directly or visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/laurencebowen