A former paratrooper who survived being blown up by a terrorist bomb in Belfast is making great strides forward for a charity helping to rebuild his life.

John Niland, whose skull was shattered when a car bomb exploded in his face, said if it was not for the support he has had from the Leonard Cheshire Home where he stays in Calverley he would not have beaten death a second time to tell his story and give hope to others.

Mr Niland, now 44, has been left with epilepsy and mood swings as constant reminders of the horrific head injuries he suffered when his bomb disposal unit was called to clear a device from a stolen car.

Doctors took six months to re-construct his head but his life continued to spiral away for another 16 years until he was put in touch with Leonard Cheshire's nearest home at Champion House, Calverley.

"I was living on a Bradford estate, mixing with alcoholics and a bad lot. I was on the edge. I was low and going down fast.

"My doctor told me to get away before it was too late and that's when I heard about the work of Leonard Cheshire who luckily had an empty bed for me at Calverley.

"It was the start of a new life and I haven't looked back. If it wasn't for Champion House I would probably be dead and not here to tell my story," he said.

In the three years that he has lived at Champion House he has become one of their top ambassadors, raising funds for them on sponsored walks.

Yesterday he was in action again - this time with former Army officer and fellow blast victim Chris Moon who, despite losing an arm and leg in a mine explosion nine years ago in Mozambique, was on day 12 of his gruelling challenge to walk 1,300 miles from one end of the country to the other in 25 days.

The two men met up in Leeds city centre and walked a short way, supported by other residents, volunteers and staff at Champion House who were collecting cash from well-wishers en-route.

Mr Niland said: "Chris is an inspirational man. I just wanted to shake his hand and tell him about what happened to me and how Leonard Cheshire's work has helped rebuild my life."

Anyone who wants to support Champion House at its next fundraising event should go along to its annual garden party on Saturday from 2pm where celebrity Sir Jimmy Savile is expected to put in a guest appearance. To find out more about Champion House, set in its own grounds in Claro Drive, telephone (01274) 612459.