A HANDCYCLIST will be taking part in a triathlon and running event being held in Wimborne this weekend.

Steve Hodges, 44, is set to participate in the Grand Shaftesbury Triathlon & Run Festival which is held at the Shaftesbury Estate in Wimborne on May 16 and 17.

The former policeman, who was involved in a motorcycle accident which left him wheelchair-bound, is encouraging others to follow his lead and participate in the event, which features several categories of triathlon, marathon, half-marathon, 10k and 1km fun run.

As a result of the accident, Steve, from Bath, broke six ribs, his sternum in the ribcage and one of the vertebrae in his spine, leading to rehab in Salisbury Hospital's spinal unit and complete paralysis in his lower body.

"My recovery was tough at first but with the support of family, friends and some amazing people from charities like the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) and Back Up, I found a life that’s worth living.

"I found hand-biking through a guy living in Bristol. We used to train together on the steep hills around Bath and Bristol and then I went into road cycling."

Steve, who has retrained as an occupational therapist, has since gone on to complete the journey from Land's End to John O'Groats in 2008, as well as the 112-mile Fred Whitton Challenge around the Lake District the following year.

"I am one of a few hand cyclists across the country who ride off-road and the Grand Shaftesbury Triathlon & Run Festival will provide an amazing opportunity to promote the growing sport.

He continued: "For those who have suffered similar injuries to myself, please try everything. There is so much available for disabled people nowadays. In the tough times there are great charities like SIA and Back UP who are there for you."

For more information on Grand Shaftesbury Triathlon & Run Festival, go to grandtrirun.com