A FORMER American serviceman who overcame a life-threatening accident is aiming to raise £5m for charity.

Tom Von Kaenal, 56, who now lives in Freeland near Witney, plans to ride from Brize Norton to Washington DC and back.

His ambitious mission aims to raise millions for servicemen on both sides of the Atlantic.

He said: “This whole thing came about when I was cycling in the Pyrenees back in 2009 and was involved in a serious high-speed accident.

“A British soldier applied first aid to me and then I was flown to a trauma ward in Germany by the US Army.

“I was in a ward surrounded by injured soldiers and it was simply life-changing to see the sacrifices they had made. I made a vow there and then to do something that could help them.”

The accident left Mr Von Kaenal in intensive care with a dislocated and smashed hip and broken eye socket.

He has now made a full recovery, despite catching MRSA twice and having to learn how to walk again.

He said: “I went from cycling a thousand miles a week to having four operations as they weren’t working. It was difficult.”

The retired lieutenant colonel himself served in the US Army for 20 years, finishing as a strategic planner in countries including Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Botswana.

He moved to Oxfordshire with his wife Jackie in 1997.

The cycle begins in Oxfordshire on April 21, with a ride from Brize Norton to Heathrow Airport.

It will raise money for Mr Von Kaenal’s new charity for forces, Sea2Sea.

He will then fly to Seattle, on America’s west coast, and cycle across the whole country to arrive in Washington DC on Independence Day.

Mr Von Kaenal will then fly back to London and cycle back to Oxfordshire via Aldershot and Royal Wootton Bassett.

The entire journey is planned to take 77 days and cover 4,085 miles on the bike.

He said: “It’s going to be difficult, I know that. But it’ll be fantastic too. We’ll be getting into Washington DC on July 4 at sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial. Every day deepens my resolve to do this and make this event memorable, life-changing, positive and fun.”

He added: “There are thousands who gave their lives for us, the hundreds of thousands whose lives are forever changed, as well as their families and friends.

“In short, they need our help, and more importantly, we owe them a debt that we can help to repay for the sacrifices that they have made.”

Mr Van Kaenal now needs help in both countries to plan, organise and participate in the cycle ride.

To help Mr Von Kaenal on his journey or get your charity listed on the site, visit sea2sea.org