A GUTSY Stourbridge cyclist has notched up 10,000 miles on his beloved bike in an effort to regain his fitness after a brush with death.

Cycling fanatic Simon James has peddled his way back to strength after a stroke in September 2006 left him wondering if he would ever ride again.

The 52-year-old former lorry driver started to feel unwell at work and was so ill by the time paramedics arrived he had to be revived en-route to hospital when his heart stopped.

The father-of-two from Radley Road, Lye, spent three months in a coma and a total of six months in hospital before he could begin his long and painful journey back to health and fitness.

But he was determined to make it back from the brink and to get back in the saddle.

He said: “I was a long distance, really fit cyclist - and I used to go on massive 100 to 200-mile rides, so it really knocked me for six not being able to cycle.”

But after 18 months of rehabilitation Simon decided it was time to get back on his bike - so he joined Stourbridge cycling club Stourbug.

He said: “With all the health risks it seemed impossible but, as we say in our cycling club, “no pain, no gain”.

“Believe me, the pain was immense but I’m always aware that I’m alive whilst others who have suffered strokes are not so lucky.”

Not content with just leisurely rides out however, Simon decided on January 1 this year to set himself the mammoth challenge of clocking up 10,000 miles on his bike in 12 months.

And just eight months later he had completed the distance.

He said: “I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way. My aim was to raise awareness about strokes and highlight all the people, clubs and groups who help us stroke survivors achieve our goals.”

In his spare time Simon has also been busy raising cash for charity - £450 of which has gone to One Voice, a Birmingham based community singing group for adults with acquired brain injury.

He said: “They do invaluable work for stroke survivors, but are currently desperate for funding to continue the group.”

Anyone interested in making a donation to the group or finding out more about their work can call Lorna Bickley on 07828 291 090 or lorna.bickley@gmail.com