A man who "died" on an operating table 20 years ago now celebrates being brought back to life by helping others.

In his latest venture, indefatigable Jack Smith, 78, of Selwyn Road, Southend, cycled 300 miles along the Great Wall of China to raise more than £2,500 for Mencap.

Temperatures reached 35c during the trip where Jack was awarded the special accolade of Most Admirable Cyclist.

He said: "They had other awards, such as one for the funniest, and one for the best pair of legs. The lady who won that was lovely, but I didn't see her legs very often because she was always at the front.

"It was a really joyous ride. At the end people came up and hugged me like a dad, I felt ever so emotional.

"I did it because I like to. They told me I died on the operating table in 1980. I had four heart attacks and a bypass operation, so I'm grateful to be alive." Describing China he said: "There were small wheat fields all over the place. People were growing food everywhere.

"There wasn't much traffic on the road, mainly cycles, but it was very busy in Beijing and there were no roundabouts so you'd really have to know where you were going."

Ex-Marine Jack severely grazed his elbow in a Cresta-type toboggan run on the way down, but didn't let this get in the way of this fundraising efforts. He estimated he had raised around £10,000 for Mencap altogether through sponsored cycle rides including down the Nile and through the Negev desert, and added: "People are so generous."

For many years he has also taken part in the London to Brighton cycle ride in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

However he now plans a sabbatical from cycling while saving up to bike from John O'Groats to Lands End for his 80th birthday.

Back in the saddle - Jack Smith

Picture: MIKE MINERS

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