FOREST people really rallied round when accident-injured Andy Lewis appealed for help to buy a £5,000 running blade to compete in Paralympic-style contests.

Now, thanks to everyone's generosity, he has just had the new blade fitted and has tried it out on the Bristol Sports Academy track.

"After loosing my leg in my bike accident I was not going to let that stop me and attempted to raise money by something I called 'Project Blade', said Andy.

"On Monday this week I attended the fitting clinic in Bristol where for four hours I was fitted up with the blade. It felt amazing but also strange at the same time due to the springy sensation.

"The company that make the blade are German so I had to wait all this time to get them here and the funds to be ready.

"On Tuesday they asked me to attend the sports academy in Bristol and use the track – an amazing place which is used by Bristol City football club and many athletes.

"I had to run on the track as they monitored the blade, making small adjustments every couple of minutes to get it perfect.

"This for me is a massive achievement especially now after I have been allocated my own coach at the academy and being monitored by them.

"Also I am ready to participate at the Amputee Games in May and British Athletics are reviewing me for my classification to race. Ideally I will compete against other athletes but have to work on my fitness a bit more to get me to top performance.

"My dream has come true and I have been determined to make it so if anyone is out there thinking of doing something, just do it, as you never know where it could take you...never give up!"

He said local people had ben very supportive.

"I was running through Lydney Tuesday and Wednesday and the number of people stopping me and asking about the blade was incredible,," said Andy.

"Being able to run with my wife, daughter and dog is like something I have never felt before – just pure pride."