Source: thisiskent.co.uk
SIX years after nearly losing a leg, Tony Martin is gearing up to cycle across the challenging terrains of the Andes and Amazon rainforest.
The Stansted man, 28, is to embark on the 210-mile two-wheeled adventure over mountains and through thick jungle for soldiers' charity Help for Heroes.
He said: "From a young age, I have always been interested in sport. I used to ride horses and then I got involved in motorbikes, so over the years I have had quite a lot of injuries."
Six years ago, he crashed his grass track motorbike and nearly lost a leg
"I spent six months learning to walk again," said Tony.
"But I have always been very active and find myself drawn to taking on new challenges."
Tony still suffers pain from his old injuries, but his love of sport has always spurred him on.
He added: "Over the years, I have injured myself quite a lot, so I do worry about the ride from that point of view.
"You do fall off your mountain bike and I don't bounce like I used to. Sometimes it really hurts, from where I have injured myself in the past."
His September 16 South American trek will begin in the Andes and includes a day-long mountain climb. Also taking part in the challenge are two of his friends, Robertsbridge sisters, Alex Petkovic, 29, and Charlie, 34.
"I'm really excited because I have always wanted to go to Peru and see the lost cities, and I have always wanted to go to the Amazon," Tony said.
The trio will mountain bike for five-and-a-half days across the Andes and into the Amazon rainforest, also raising funds for Barnardo's.
The self-employed maintenance and repair man, who also constructs sports facilities, has been training since November.
His gruelling six-day-a-week schedule often begins at 5am and includes either working out in the gym, circuit training, or a 40 to 50-mile cycle ride.
"It's easier at this time of year because the nights are drawing out," said Tony. "Throughout the winter, I was having to use loads of lights on my bike."
Tony, of Tumblefield Road, often trains alone, but is sometimes joined by his bike polo team mates from Vigo.