Ex superbike champion aims to inspire in marathon

A former six-time British superbike champion will run in Sunday's London Marathon to show those who suffer spinal injuries what might be possible in the future.

Shane "Shakey" Byrne, from Kent, suffered major damage to his spinal cord in a career-ending crash in 2018, saying he went to "the deepest and darkest places" while in recovery.

Byrne was paralysed for days following the crash and says he is "still living with the effects" of his injuries, but will run the 26.2-mile course on Sunday for Spinal Research.

He said: "The pain was just so engrossing, there was no escape and it was a horrible place to be."

The 49-year old says he is aiming to put "one foot in front of the other" and finish the marathon, while inspiring people who have suffered similar injuries to himself.

He still lives and trains with long-term health conditions caused by the crash.

Since being forced to retire, Byrne now commentates on superbike races and has also been a mentor to fellow Kent rider Brad Ray - who has become a British champion.

He said: "I really enjoy my role in the TV thing, and I also look after a couple of younger riders.

"There's a lot of reward for me in sharing my experience and my knowledge, but there's nothing quite like rolling down pit lane."

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