A former soldier left blind and paralysed after a motorbike accident is preparing to take on a tough new challenge.

Matthew Rhodes is to join thousands of people taking part in the first ever Brighton Marathon next April.

Mr Rhodes has been given permission by race organisers to walk the course over two days, covering 13 miles each day.

The 34-year-old, of Telscombe Cliffs, was a former Army physical trainer from 1st Battalion the Devonshire and Dorset regiment.

He served in Germany and Canada plus a tour of duty in Bosnia in 1995.

After surviving being shot at and bombed in Bosnia he had a motorbike accident in Germany the same year which caused him severe brain damage and left him partially sighted and paralysed down the right side of his body.

His eyesight gradually deteriorated over the years and he is now registered blind with a guide dog.

He also has to use a leg brace to help him walk.

Mr Rhodes stayed at St Dunstan's in Ovingdean for seven months following the accident and now lives in a house owned by the charity, which supports blind ex-servicemen and women.

He has never let his disabilities get the better of him and over the years has taken part in several fundraising events.

They include swimming between the two piers at Brighton, abseiling down the Centrepoint building in London's Tottenham Court Road, a dressage competition, the London Marathon and a 12,000 foot skydive.

Mr Rhodes is married to Michelle, 40, and has four children, Zoey, 17, Charlie, 13, Bethany, six and Harry, who is three this week.

He is doing the marathon for St Dunstan's and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

He said: ”I can't remember anything about the accident but over the years I have had a tremendous amount of help.

“I want to do whatever I can to give back to the charities who have supported me and these are two very important causes.

“I was always fit and active before my accident and I am determined not to let my disabilities stop me from doing what I want to do.

“I'll be having a helper to take me around the course because it's a bit too far for my guide dog.

“It is going to be quite an effort but I'm really pleased to be taking part.”

To support Mr Rhodes, go to www.justgiving.com/Matthew-Rhodes.

Organisers of The Argus Appeal, which helps dozens of good causes in Sussex every year, are urging as many people as possible to take part in the marathon in aid of the charity.

For more details go to www.brightonmarathon.co.uk.

Visit theargus.co.uk to read online blogs of people currently in training for the event.