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Ex superbike champion aims to inspire in marathon
TL;DR
Former British superbike champion Shane Byrne will run the London Marathon to inspire those with spinal injuries. He aims to showcase the potential for recovery after his own life-changing accident in 2018.
Key points
- Shane Byrne is a former six-time British superbike champion.
- He suffered major spinal cord damage in a crash in 2018.
- Byrne aims to inspire those with spinal injuries by running the London Marathon.
- He will run the marathon for Spinal Research.
- Byrne described his recovery as a painful and challenging experience.
Mentioned in this story
Shane ByrneSpinal Research
London 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."
Byrne still lives and trains with long-term health conditions caused by the crash [Getty Images]
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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Q&A
What happened to Shane Byrne in 2018?
Shane Byrne suffered major spinal cord damage in a career-ending crash in 2018, leading to paralysis for several days.
Why is Shane Byrne running the London Marathon?
Byrne is running the marathon to inspire individuals with spinal injuries and to raise awareness for Spinal Research.
How has Shane Byrne's injury affected his life?
Byrne has experienced ongoing pain and challenges in recovery, describing his experience as having gone to 'the deepest and darkest places.'