A CYCLIST who spent six weeks in a coma after he was hit by a bus is back on his bike again.

Peter Gill took more than 18 months to recover from the brain injury he suffered after he was dragged under a bus in Old Market Square, Nottingham, on Valentine's Day last year.

Now the 54-year-old from West Bridgford, who has been a cyclist for more than 30 years, has decided to ride 1,000 miles to raise cash for three charities.

Mr Gill, of Musters Road, was on the way to Colwick for a surprise Valentine's Day meal he had organised for his fiance when he was knocked off his bike in Angel Row.

He was trapped under the bus for about half an hour before being taken to Queen's Medical Centre, where he was in a coma for six weeks and had to have emergency surgery to save his life.

He was left with a brain injury and was transferred to Nottingham City Hospital, where he stayed until May last year.

He also ended up having to leave his job as an IT manager at South Wolds School, in Keyworth, after his doctor said he was not fit to work because of his injuries.

But now Mr Gill feels he is up to the challenge of the 1,000-mile ride.

"I'm feeling fit and well now, physically. I decided to do this because there were so many good people that were there to support me at the time."

Mr Gill set off from Land's End for John O'Groats on Sunday and is hoping to raise £1,000, to be split between Macmillan Cancer Care, Samaritans and Barnardo's.

He said: "I've been doing lots of training and I'm planning that the route will take me 14 days."

Mr Gill, who battled cancer in his 40s, cycled the same route about eight years ago in 11 days. So far, he has raised about £250. To pledge your support e-mail lejog10@google mail.com