Seven years ago, former North Yorkshire policeman Ken Moss was fighting for his life in hospital.

Ken with the two MGF cars he has been driving, the specially adapted

His patrol car had collided head-on with a lorry on the A64 near Malton while chasing a stolen car, and he received horrific injuries.

Blinded for life in the accident at the age of only 34, it has been a long, hard struggle to rebuild his life. But rebuild it he has, and today he was launching himself down a runway in Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, in a daring attempt to set a new blind solo land speed record. He was driving a specially-adapted MGF sports car fitted with a tactile display system for navigation, noise reduction, and lasers. Asked how he was feeling, and why he was once again risking life and limb, Ken said: "I am looking forward to it, and I am totally confident in the small team supporting me.

"I am doing this because it has never been done before, to demonstrate that given the right support, disabled people are just as capable as able-bodied people, and to raise awareness and funds for St Dunstan's who provided my rehabilitation and training after my accident and helped me to live again."

Ken, who made an unsuccessful attempt on the record for an accompanied drive in 1994, completed his final test run on Thursday in a two-seater MGF racing car with World Rally Championship driver Tony Pond.

Tony said: "What people have to remember is that for the first time ever, anywhere in the world, a totally blind man will be driving at some considerable speed by himself - and don't forget, Ken lost his eyes in a road traffic accident, so he does not even have perception of light and dark. What Ken is going to attempt, driving solo, will take unthinkable courage and incredible skill.

"The last time he drove a car by himself he nearly died. In my view, the guy is a hero."

Neil Swan, project director for St Dunstan's, who started the project, said: "Eighteen months ago, Ken captivated me with his enthusiasm and I decided to try and fix it for him. It has been a personal crusade to obtain the correct level of support for Ken and to enable him to achieve his life ambition - his 'blind ambition'."

Ken's attempt will be featured on BBC1's Tomorrow's World on Wednesday at 7.30pm.

There will be a free draw for an MGF car to raise money for St Dunstans. All those sending a donation (minimum suggested £1) to Ken at St Dunstan's will be automatically entered in the draw. Cheques/POs payable to St Dunstan's and sent to: Ken Moss, St Dunstan's, 12-14 Harcourt Street, London W1A 4XB.

See COMMENT 'Ken's courage behind the wheel'

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