NEWSFLASH: UK agents in horrific 70mph crash in Ameri...

Disaster has struck the 3,500-mile charity cycle attempt by Sean Newman and his colleague James Golding.

The pair, pictured, from Midlands-based Newmans, have been involved in an horrific accident while attempting to cross America to raise £100,000 for cancer charities. Golding was given the all-clear from cancer only last year.

They were hit by a 70mph truck in Louisiana in the early hours of Sunday morning (GMT). They were about 45 miles west of New Orleans, some three-quarters of the way into their marathon attempt, aiming to cover 120 miles a day in just 30 days.

Both men are alive but in a bad way. Newman has a broken back, broken pelvis and both his legs are broken. He was rushed into intensive care after the smash but is now understood to be in critical care. He has already undergone one operation and is believed to be undergoing further surgery now, on his pelvis. More operations will be necessary as surgeons assess the damage to his spine.

Golding – pictured when he was undergoing cancer treatment a year last March – is much less badly injured but has possible broken ribs, serious road burns and bad cuts.

Malcolm Lindley, managing director of chief sponsors Fine & Country estate agents, said: “This is devastating news for Sean and James, and for the cause they have been fighting so hard to support. Our thoughts are with them and their families, and we pray for a speedy recovery.”

Newman is a veteran charity campaigner, having completed several marathons, Iron Man challenges and the infamous Marathon Des Sables.

Golding contracted cancer two years ago when doctors found a large tumour between his spine and his kidney. He originally had just a 5% chance of survival, but was then given the all-clear almost exactly a year ago on July 23, 2009. The pair had hoped to cross the finishing line on the anniversary.

We will bring you an update when we get it.

You can also check out www.cycleacrossamerica2010.com