A NORTH Yorkshire man who almost died after falling off his bicycle has set himself an "ironman" challenge.

Ian Johnston suffered a fractured skull and severe brain damage after falling of his bicycle when he was not wearing a helmet in the suburbs of Washington DC, in the USA, two years ago.

Passers-by saved his life by giving him first aid, and after a four-month spell in hospital, Ian, 38, returned to England.

He spent his time lying around the house dwelling on his accident - until he saw a programme about the plight of terminal cancer sufferer Jane Tomlinson, of Leeds.

After being inspired by Jane's appeal to raise money for charity despite her own illness, Ian began swimming, cycling and running.

He has now committed himself to two triathlons with the ultimate goal of a Half Ironman, which is a 1.25-mile swim, 61-mile cycle and 13-mile run.

Ian said: "When I came out of hospital I didn't have a very bright outlook on life. "The more I found out about Jane the more inspired I became. I decided it was time to get up, get off my behind and get my life back." Although still receiving physio to improve his stride, Ian has set himself a gruelling schedule.

He plans to take part in the TriFest04 Sprint Triathlon in Olney on June 6, the London Olympic Distance Triathlon on August 1, and the Ironman UK Half Marathon in Dorset in autumn 2005.

To push himself, Ian wants people to pledge money on how long it will take him to complete his first Half Ironman, for example, pledging £10 if he completes it by June 2005.

Ian, of Highfield Green, Sherburn-in-Elmet, said: "Obviously, it is going to very tough for me to complete the full Half Ironman, but I'm now well on my way to making a recovery and I am determined."

To help Ian, visit www.justgiving.com/Ianspage or post a cheque to Jane's Appeal, SPARKS, Heron House, 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0DX, payable to Jane Tomlinson Appeal and quote Ian Johnston - Tri-ing for Jane'.

Updated: 09:28 Saturday, April 10, 2004