A MAN who suffered horrific injuries in a road accident two years ago is aiming to do a coast-to-coast bike ride once he is fit enough.

John Caulfield, 20, of New Kyo, completes his one-to-one training in the New Year.

He needed to learn basic walking skills again, and build up his stamina so his body could cope with everyday life after the crash in November 2004.

Mr Caulfield's car left the A692 at Marley Hill, near Burnopfield, as he was driving to work as a machine operator on the Team Valley Trading Estate, in Gateshead.

He was left with several broken ribs and face and head injuries and suffered a subsequent stroke.

Since the accident, which almost cost him his life, and left him in hospital for nearly a year, he has overcome numerous obstacles and injuries in his fight to lead a normal life.

He was a keen cyclist, and attended the gym prior to his accident is now attending specialist one-to-one training sessions at The Louisa Centre.

Michael Robertson, who is known as Harry, works for Derwentside Leisure as an instructor and exercise professional at the centre, in Stanley.

He has been working with Mr Caulfield to build up his strength.

When Mr Caulfield started attending centre in July, he was only able to manage two minutes walking on a treadmill.

But after sticking to a rigorous training schedule, in which he trained twice a week, Mr Caufield can now do 30 minutes walking unaccompanied, as well as an overall workout on the resistance machines.

Mr Robertson said: "I consider John to be an absolute inspiration to us all. It has been a pleasure not just to work with him, but also to learn from him."

He added: "I now consider him a good friend, and he is a very warm, funny and likeable lad."

Mr Caulfield's goal, once his training is complete, is to train as a member of the Lifestyle Fitness Suite with his father.

His instructor is currently working on a training programme, which he will be able to use once he progresses into the fitness suite.

His proud mother, Angela, said: "John's self-esteem has risen tenfold since going to The Louisa Centre. The exercise has helped him in every way. He is much more confident now he can see what he can do."

John said that his long-term goal is to do the coast-to-coast bike ride on a tandem with his dad.

Mrs Caulfied said: "We will not accept that there's anything John cannot achieve.