FIVE years ago he was learning how to walk again after being hit by a rolling truck on duty, but now firefighter Gareth Bridgewater is letting nothing get in his way as he takes on a mammoth charity challenge.

It was while at the scene of a crash on Henllys Lane on February 6, 2010, that Mr Bridgewater, of Griffithstown, was struck when a truck slid off the road breaking his femur and tearing ligaments in his shoulder.

He underwent an operation to place metal rods and pins in his leg and had his shoulder rebuilt with synthetic ligaments.

Mr Bridgewater then had to learn to walk again through physiotherapy, slowly progressing from a zimmer frame to crutches, before being able to go back to work 13 months later.

But now, the serving firefighter is taking his recovery even further, signing himself up to seven high endurance events to raise money for the Velindre Cancer Centre.

The father of three explained that he was due to take on the challenge back in 2010 to mark five years since his father, David Bridgewater, died following a battle against lung cancer at the age of 60.

But he was stopped from taking it on at the time, due to the incident.

He said: “I’m now more determined than ever to complete the challenge and am training around working, spending time with my family and organising the challenge."

The first event is a 41 mile run on April 22, which he is running alongside two firefighting colleagues, Jim Coles and Steve Nelmes. Beginning near Storey Arms in Brecon, the trio will use GPS to form the off road route, which they hope to complete in around six hours.

Next is the Tumble up for Life challenge on May 11- the events sees cyclists climb to the top of Iron Mountain in Bleanavon and repeating 15 times.

Then he is off to the Bristol Bike Fest in June which will see him cycling for 12 hours, before taking part in The Monster Sportive in mid-Wales- a massive 4200m track climbing over 190km.

August will see him take part in the Wales Coast to Coast challenge- covering around 350km, before completing a 75 mile run in September and finishing with Bristol’s cycling event Oktoberfest in October.

To boost his fundraising efforts, he is also running two marathons on a treadmill in Pontypool Tesco wearing his full 30lb kit including breathing apparatus.

He hopes to raise over £5,000 and will be hosting bucket collections with the first taking place in Cwmbran Aldi on April 25.

“Some of my family and friends think I am mad, but I am up for the challenge as it is for a good cause,” he added.

To read more about the challenge visit his website http://endurance7.com/ or to sponsor him visit www.justgiving.com/gareth-bridgewater1