The boss of a leading Moray firm who was confined to a wheelchair following a near-fatal accident is halfway through a global cycle challenge.
Giles Hamilton has already biked 138 miles over the past fortnight during working business trips to locations as diverse as San Francisco, Seoul and London.
Now the 48-year-old, who is chief executive at the AccuNostics life sciences research company in Forres, plans to cover another 150 miles on roads closer to home by the end of this week.
He said: “Three and a half years ago I had a very nasty accident where I was crushed under a tractor and nearly killed.
“It left me with internal injuries and a broken back. After a couple of weeks in hospital I was confined to a wheelchair and unable to walk unaided.
“Thanks to the doctors who looked after me I was back on my feet again.
“After months of physiotherapy, I’ve reached the point where I can start cycling.
“For anyone who has experienced an injury like this, you’ll know exactly how tough it is to even get out of bed in the morning, so to be in a position where I can take on a challenge like this is absolutely mind blowing.”
AccuNostics was founded in 2008 and employs 35 people from 12 countries, who are working to develop medical technology to improve the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
Mr Hamilton said he hoped his cycle challenge would help to underline the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.
“Many factors can contribute to a person developing diabetes, including diet and exercise,” he said.
“Introducing even a small amount of physical activity such as cycling into your life can make a huge difference.
“It’s an opportunity to raise awareness of healthy living and to show people that it is possible to overcome adversity.”