A DISABLED man was cheered through Bournemouth and Poole on a 200-mile challenge in his wheelchair.

Paul Smith was in a head-on car crash in Axminster in West Dorset back in 1991 and was not expected to survive as he spent 10 years “in a daze” and unable to do anything for himself.

But the 52-year-old has improved despite brain, neck and spinal injuries and took on the trip from Portland to London for Save the Children with his team of fundraisers.

“People in Bournemouth and Poole and Dorset generally were absolutely fantastic, honking their horns and cheering us on,” he said. “They were lovely with people coming out of their houses to donate.”

Paul, from Portsmouth, finished at the Emirates Stadium, home of his favourite football team Arsenal, whose chosen charity for the year is Save the Children.

A mystery benefactor has promised to match the donations if he raises £20,000 and with £13,000 already reached Paul is directing people to his internet donation page justgiving.co.uk/challenge200