A MAN who could not eat or speak for months after crashing into a car leaving his face “smashed to pieces” is taking on a mammoth challenge in the USA.

Southend United director Gary Lockett, 60, from Daws Heath, is cycling from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine to raise money for two cancer charities.

But his training suffered a setback after he suffered facial fractures and lacerations after striking a car in Woodgrange Drive, Southend, in February while out training.

Thankfully Gary was able to get back on the road to recovery and alongside 20 others from around the world started their Trek Travel-organised cross-country journey through 15 states on Monday.

His wife Sue, 59, said: “He signed up for this fundraising event two years ago because charity events is something he has always loved doing.

“However, in February, he was out training for this bike ride and was hit by a car face first and sustained many facial fractures.

“It resulted in an eight-hour facial reconstruction operation and not being able to eat or speak for months.

“At this time, his hopes of competing in the challenge seemed impossible.”

To Gary’s delight, surgeons permitted Gary to continue training on a static bike, then on to a road bike.

On Saturday morning, he left Sue and his family as he jetted out to Oregon to join his cycle companions.

Sue admitted feelings of “apprehension” due to nursing him after his serious accident, but added the whole family and his friends are incredibly proud of him.

So far, he has raised £1,700, and with more set to come over the 42 riding days, which covers 3,782 miles.

The money will be shared between the Brain Tumour Charity and cancer rehab organisation Beat It.

Sue said: “I looked at the GiveWheel page this morning and was thrilled to see so many people have generously donated.

“A huge thanks to you all. We really appreciate it.”

To donate to Gary’s GiveWheel crowdfunder, go to: givewheel.com/fundraising/1587/cycle-across-america/.