The horrific accident left the father of two in a critical state and was not expected to survive. Two decades later, Mr Hopwood, who has two prosthetic limbs, is about to undergo a three-day assessment course at RAF Cranwell to see whether he can qualify to go to South Africa to train for a Private Pilot's Licence, in defiance of his injuries.

He said: “I'd have a crack at anything - after the accident I got a new motorbike specially adapted to accommodate my disability. I haven't got a clue how I will be able to fly with a prosthetic arm and leg, but I assume they will have aircraft with adaptations. “My injuries affect every aspect of everything I do but I have developed coping strategies, like having poppers on my coat so I can do it up with one hand.

“Life kicked me in the what's-its but sometimes my disability opens doors for me and gives me the chance to do things that able-bodied people might not be able to do. Not many people are given the chance to get a pilot's licence. “If you're laying in the gutter, then as long as you have the fight inside you there is life beyond any trauma.” The chance has arisen thanks to a charity called Flying Scholarships for the Disabled

The charity Flying Scholarships has helped Mr Hopwood to potentially realise his ambition. It was inaugurated in 1983 in honour of air ace Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader, who after losing both legs in an accident,was determined to pursue his efforts to resume his flying career with the Royal Air Force.He will take flying aptitude tests, medical examinations and interviews on March 16.

He hopes to be chosen to follow 40 hours of airbourne tuition and ground school in South Africa in order to gain his licence. To his credit, despite his own disabilities, Mr Hopwood helps to train medics in the army who need to deal with people who have lost limbs. He was a runner up in the Against All Odds category of the Local Heroes awards last year, after being nominated by his family. Mr.Hopwood was originally inspired by the British Falklands war hero Simon Weston, who became known after suffering severe burns during the conflict.