A YOUNG man left paralysed after a cycling accident is hoping to write a book about his own experiences to help others in the same position.

Dan Black, 27, of Llanfair Discoed, was in a crash with a car as he cycled to work at Chepstow Tesco on the A48 on December 2, 2009, where he worked on the fish counter.

The crash broke his back, damaged his spleen and kidney, broke two ribs, his collar bone and fractured his skull.

His injuries were so severe that he was left paralysed from the chest down, as well as suffering a serious brain injury and a stroke. He spent six weeks in a coma and underwent lifesaving treatment.

Mr Black had hoped to join the army but was left unable to walk and can only move around in a specialised wheelchair.

He lives in a specially-adapted home and has carers, who provide round-the-clock support.

Last year he received a Pride of Britain award for donating £22,000 from funds for his own treatment to cerebral palsy sufferer Brecon Vaughan to undergo a pioneering operation in America.

He said: “I was the same as everybody else and a typical guy in my early twenties.”

“I can’t even tie my own shoelaces. I’m depressed and angry about what has happened.

“I feel like I have been denied a life.”

“I had reflective strips on my clothing and LED lights on my bike, but it obviously wasn’t enough.

“I don’t want this to happen to anyone else. I don’t think it has sunk in even now to be even now.

“Writing a book is not going to change how I am, but it might hopefully help me, and others in similar situations, in the future.”

Mr Black said he will use any profits generated from the sale of the book to fund any stem cell treatment which might help him to walk as science and research progresses.

l The family is appealing for help or advice from a publisher to write a book.

Email ksk@gwent-wales.co.uk or ring 01633 777212 if you can help.