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For two years he has cruised the streets on a motorised unicycle collecting scrap metal from empty drinks cans.

But now Tunbridge Wells' very own superhero is out of action after being hit by a car after the driver reportedly failed to see his 6ft 2in frame.

Ringpull Man works to support the Purple Community Fund which runs projects to help children living on rubbish dumps in the Philippines. He collects the ringpulls from organisations across the town including schools which are then shipped to the Philippines where locals make them in to crafts to be sold.

But his good deeds have stopped because of his injuries from the accident and damage to his equipment and costume.

He said: "Unfortunately Ringpull Man was hit by a car a few weeks ago whilst on the way to a collection. The driver was stationary in heavy traffic but randomly turned left straight into Ringpull Man. Due to a broken bone, several injuries and severe damage to the costume and equipment, all collections and speaking engagements had to be postponed or cancelled.

"Apologies for those waiting for ringpulls to be collected. The driver said 'I didn't see you'. Ringpull Man is aware that riding around on a unicycle as a superhero is rather inconspicuous and is working on it."

As interest in Ringpull Man grew he was a speaker at TedX Royal Tunbridge Wells where he appeared in full costume and spoke passionately about his work for the Purple Community Fund.

This is what he told us during an interview in August, 2015

The 40-something resident of Tunbridge Wells said: "This has been years in the planning. It’s not been a whim. You’ll probably find people who saw me out and about 18 months ago.

"I’ve heard mothers saying they hope for their children's sake this wasn’t a hoax – and it isn’t.

"I’ve found a way children can get involved safely in helping others. I’m involved in and aware of a lot of projects around the word. I’ve done similar things around the world."

There will be collection points around the town and some schools and other buildings will have their own.

Being unidentified is an important part of his mission, as he wants the superhero aura to be kept alive for youngsters. He said: "You have to keep the mystery for the children. I’m not looking for any gain.

"It's fun and it has a serious message and if we can collect as many ring pulls as possible it’ll impact on children in the Philippines.

“I’m not taking the moral high ground, but would you want your child to have a superhero who’s trying to help other children? That’s not a bad idea, is it?”

To find out how you can help, visit his website here.