The sister of a man who took his own life after a devastating cycling accident says he struggled to cope with the "crippling" pain.

Simon Rous was riding home from a bike race in 2020 when he hit a small object in the road and was thrown over the handlebar, landing heavily on his back.

As a result of damage to his spine, the 47-year-old lost sensation in his fingers and suffered significant loss of motor control and muscle power.

“He loved being active, being out on his bike and sailing, but after his accident he couldn’t run or get on his bike again," said Wendy Hall, Simon’s sister.

“It was really hard on him, he was in a lot of pain all the time.

“Over the next 18 months he put on a brave face and worked hard at his physio and rehab but the pain and loss of mobility was crippling and he became depressed."

Simon ended his own life in July 2022. Now, Ms Hall is honouring her brother’s love for outdoor activity by taking on a double marathon in his memory.

The 45-year-old plans to pedal 80 miles from Hampshire to Tunbridge Wells today, and a further 40 miles tomorrow to reach the finish line in Whitstable, where they grew up.

Just a week after her two-wheeled cross-county, Ms Hall plans to run the London Marathon.

“I want it to be really hard, I know that sounds crazy but doing 150 miles on a bike and then the marathon a week later, that’s a real challenge.

“And I wanted to do something in his memory and to have an idea of what it feels like to be out on a bike for that long.

“It’s exciting, but also quite nerve-racking to be taking on such a distance.

“I know his inspiring sense of energy and adventure will push me on to complete the journey."

Ms Hall is taking on this challenge to raise money for the Spinal Injury Association, which she said were extremely helpful following her brother's accident in Orpington in 2020.

She has already generated more than £1,300 to help her reach her goal of £2,500.

Donations can be made via her fundraising page.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans any time on 116 123.