A Rotary Club has been inspired to raise money for a wheelchair charity by a north Suffolk cyclist's fight against injuries he suffered in a freak accident with a deer.

Members of the Diss branch of the international charity organisation have organised a Fun Cycle Ride on September 30 in honour of Eye man Peter Seaman, who was left partially paralysed after a roe deer leapt out from woods and collided with his bike while he was cycling with fellow members of Diss and District Cycling Club between Risby and Fornham All Saints on April 22.

Anyone can participate in the ride, to raise money for Wheelpower, which supports British Wheelchair Sport and there will be a choice of a 10, 15 or 20 mile route through south Norfolk lanes.

The different courses will start and end at the Diss youth and community centre in Shelfanger Road and registration for participants, including individuals and family groups, will be from 9.30am onwards.

Father-of-one Mr Seaman, who has campaigned for wind turbines, was thrown clear of his bike during the accident and suffered severe damage to his spinal cord, which left him paralysed.

After initially receiving treatment at Addenbrooke's Hospital, he was transferred to a rehabilitation unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, which specialises in the treatment of spinal injuries and was also the place where neurologist and Rotary Club member Sir Ludwig Guttmann pioneered physical activities for the disabled and helped establish the Paralympic Games.

Mr Seaman's niece Sue Stanislawski said her uncle was making progress at Stoke Mandeville and hoped to return to his Castleton Way home for Christmas.

She said he had regained the use of his hands and arms thanks to courses of hydrotherapy, physical therapy and occuaptional therapy and can also use a wheelchair now for a limited period of time. However, she added it was unlikely he would be able to walk again.

Alterations are being carried out to the retired computer programmer's home, which he lived in for six months prior to the accident, to suit his needs.

Diss Rotary president Keith Day said: 'The Diss club is proud to be part of this drive, which exemplifies Rotary's place in the community.'

Further details including sponsorship and entry forms can be obtained by calling Richard Pither on 01379 652825 or by visiting Adkins Opticians in Market Hill, Diss or via the Rotary club website at www.dissrotary.org.uk.