AN ENGINEER who spent three days in intensive care after an horrific motorbike crash is to celebrate his recovery by cycling more than 4,000 kilometres around France.

Peter Milner, who almost died in 2005 when his Honda motorbike collided with a car on the B1222 near York, aims to cycle the entire route of the 1970 Tour de France.

Peter, 39, hopes to complete the epic challenge in four weeks, spending about eight hours in the saddle every day – with only four rest days.

His goal is to raise £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his sister, Jane Milner, who died of breast cancer at the age of 43.

Peter also hopes to raise £1,000 for the charity Re-Cycle, which refurbishes unwanted bikes and ships them to Africa to help underprivileged families.

Peter, who works as a chartered electrical engineer for Martin Design Associates at Dunnington, said: “I’m lucky to be here today.

“I smashed myself up quite badly in the motorbike accident and needed 30 months of treatment and about seven operations.

“I’ve still got surgical steel implants in my left thigh, shin and arm and I can’t jog or run. Cycling is the only serious sporting activity I can do.

“Doing this challenge is my way of proving I’m well again. I’ve made myself as good as I can be.”

Peter, who lives with his partner, Sally Lund, at Church Fenton, will have to tackle 26 climbs of more than 3,000 feet during his 4,300km journey, including the Col de Tourmalet, which is just under 7,000 feet high.

He aims to cycle at an average speed of 25kph and will need to eat more than 6,000 calories every day to make sure he has enough energy.

“If I’m going to put myself through all this physical and mental suffering then it should be for some greater purpose, otherwise it really is just madness,” he said.

“And I can’t think of a more worthwhile cause to support than Macmillan, which helps people with cancer who are coming towards the end stay in their own homes so they can be close to their loved ones.”

To donate money to Macmillan Cancer Support, log on to Peter’s online fundraising page justgiving.com/peter-milner. Or to donate money to his other chosen charity, Re-Cycle, log on to justgiving.com/peter-milner-recycle If any businesses would like to help cover his expenses, contact Peter via his website, milner.madasafish.com