The most successful British Superbike rider in history is swapping two wheels for two feet later this month when he takes on the London Marathon.
Shane “Shakey” Byrne is running the iconic 26.2 miles route for Spinal Research, eight years after suffering life-changing spinal cord injuries in a career-ending crash.
The record-breaking rider, who holds an unprecedented six British Superbike Championship titles, was at the peak of his career and reigning British champion when he collided with a barrier after coming off his Ducati Panigale bike at Snetterton in 2018.
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The father-of-two from Kent sustained multiple fractures and internal injuries. During his recovery, Shane also experienced the fear and reality of temporary paralysis—an experience that has stayed with him and fuels his determination to help others facing and living with paralysis.
Next month Shane will be on the starting grid of the London Marathon for Spinal Research, the UK’s leading charity funding the most promising research into function restoring treatments for people paralysed after a spinal cord injury.
He said: “One minute you’re on the podium, the next you’re learning how to get dressed and put your socks on, with what looks like a telephone mast screwed to your head which is holding your neck and spine together.
“When I think back to where I was after the accident, there were some pretty dark times. So, just being here and being able to put one foot in front of the other is a blessing I don’t take for granted.
“I basically broke the whole of my upper body in the crash – my back, neck, ribs, chest, collar bone – and it’s a miracle I wasn’t killed or paralysed. Bits are still broken but I’ve kept my head down, tried to stay humble and kept myself in the best shape possible.
“The physical recovery was one thing, but the mental side—the fear, the frustration, the uncertainty—was every bit as tough. Turning 50 last December made me realise it was time to do something that mattered.
“I want to test myself again, but more importantly, I want to help others who haven’t been as lucky as me.”
Shane, who was also a World Superbike race winner and former MotoGP rider, is now a TV pundit for the sport he loves and runs a sports management company looking after young champions in the making.
He added: “Everyone thinks I’m mad. The training has been really tough but if me running this marathon gives even one person hope, or helps fund research that means someone else doesn’t have to face a lifetime of paralysis, then every mile will be worth it.”
Every two hours someone in the UK is paralysed after a spinal cord injury – it can happen to anyone at any time with devastating consequences for them and their loved ones. Spinal Research is working to change that.
Suzanne Redding, Head of Audience and Community for Spinal Research, said: “The first function restoring treatments in history are now available and more breakthrough therapies are coming. But we urgently need funds to get these to the people who need them.
“So, we’re incredibly grateful to Shane for joining ‘Team Spinal’ at this year’s London Marathon, particularly knowing how much he has overcome following his own serious injuries. Every pound raised takes us a step closer to our goal of curing paralysis”.
To support Shane go to his JustGiving Page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/shane-shakey-byrne-1
Photos: Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne, the most successful British Superbike rider in history, in action and recovering after suffering multiple injuries in a career-ending crash.
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