DISABLED cyclist Simon Cook is literally trying to strong-arm his way into the record books - again.

The record-breaking athlete will follow a well-trodden path as he cycles the length of the country to John O'Groats.

But what sets the Hampshire man apart from the rest is his method of pedalling - he will use his arms.

Simon, 41, has been paraplegic since a freak viral infection damaged the base of his spinal cord at the age of 28.

Apart from an astonishing two-year period in which his phenomenal determination enabled him to walk again, he has relied on a wheelchair ever since.

He has not let the disability stop him from living life to the full, however, and already holds the British record for shot-put.

At an international tournament in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire he threw the shot more than 12 metres.

Now he is going for another record on a specially crafted bike which is pedalled with hands instead of feet.

Simon said: "The bike I've got is the only one of its kind in the country. My legs go straight out in front of me and all the gears and everything are up by my chest and I just cycle with my arms.

"I'll be the only person of my kind who has ever done it so it's a bit of a record as well I think."

The former professional golfer will cycle 40 miles daily to reach John O'Groats from Southampton in 26 days, leaving on September 4.

He said: "My biggest worry is cycling from Durham to Edinburgh. You've to go through the A68. It's just hills and mountains. It's horrible. That's going to be the worst bit of it."

Simon, of Barton Court Road, New Milton, has already had £2,500 pledged to him in sponsorship and hopes to raise many thousands more.

All the money raised will be divided between Hampshire based Wessex Cancer Trust and the Spinal Research charity.

He said: "Three sisters and one brother on my mother's side have died of cancer so I thought I would raise money for the Wessex Trust as it's a local charity.

"I can't wait. I just want to get out there and do it. It's something which will be another personal achievement and hopefully people will see, if they're feeling down or that the world is against them, you can make a difference to yourself if you just get out and do it.

"I would like to say a big thank you to my wife Catherine."

Carol Borwick, head of fundraising at Spinal Research, said: "It's a fantastic event that Simon is trying to undertake.

"This is certainly the first time anyone from Southampton has captured people's imaginations in the southern region in this way."

Sam Steed, deputy fundraising manager at Wessex Cancer, said: "It's quite an effort. We really hope it goes well for him and nothing happens along the way. We're very grateful."

Anyone wishing to join existing sponsors Specsavers, Cycle Experience in Brockenhurst and Testwood Working Men's Club can contact Simon on 01425 612446.