Motorbike racer back in saddle after breaking neck (From York Press)

Motorbike racer Josh Harland is back in saddle after breaking neck

8:03am Saturday 29th December 2012 in News By Richard Catton, richard.catton@thepress.co.uk

ONLY six months ago he lay in hospital with a broken neck after suffering a horrific bike crash while practising at the famous Donnington Park race track.

Now, after an amazing recovery, 18-year-old Wigginton motorbike racer Josh Harland is looking forward to getting back on two wheels for the start of the next racing season.

Josh, who combines a budding career on the track with studying for a degree in advertising, was knocked unconscious when his 1,000cc Kawasaki crashed into a tyre wall in June.

But he has fought back and said: “I’m totally fine now. I’m back into sports and I’m training in the gym.

“I have one more x-ray in January then I should be off and back to it.

“I’m looking forward to pre-season testing in Spain in March then the season begins the following week.”

He said: “I have just started university, too, but they are really supportive of it.

“In fact, they have a sports foundation which has been helping me out.”

Dave Jefferson, one of those behind the success of Josh’s racing team, said: “In 2013 Josh hopes to be entering the newly backed Honda European Junior Cup Championship, which will be a season to consolidate and achieve what was originally intended for 2012 before Josh’s accident.

“In 2012, Josh was strongly tipped to be a title contender and this remains the objective for 2013 with a full factory Honda ride on a European Superstock 600 in 2014 being the prize on offer.”

Mr Jefferson said the team was still desperately seeking sponsors for the coming season and needs to raise £20,000 to help them continue.

“Any help, large or small, would be appreciated,” said Mr Jefferson.

For details, visit joshharlandracing.co.uk or phone Mr Jefferson on 07914 710387.