Martyn Ashton, international mountain bike trials legend, ex-­World Champion and star of the Road Bike Party YouTube sensation, was injured during a trials demo held on Sunday 1st September at Silverstone’s Moto GP, England.

During one of the stunts on the Animal WD40 Action Sports Tour, Martyn fell backwards off of a three metre ­high bar and hit the ground with significant force. The impact caused severe damage to his spine, dislocating the T9 and T10 vertebrae.

After paramedics stabilised him at the scene, Martyn was swiftly airlifted to Coventry Hospital where he received emergency treatment and was admitted to Intensive Care.

New Day, Different Trial

The initial prognosis is not positive: Martyn has currently lost feeling below the point of injury. He has now been moved to RJ&AH Hospital Oswestry’s Specialist Spinal Care Unit where he is receiving treatment and undergoing further tests to assess the extent of his injuries and to map the road to recovery.

The current medical plan is for Martyn to undergo six weeks of complete bed rest to allow his body to heal itself as much as possible. At that point a lot more will be known as to the long term recovery he will be able to expect. Once the joint is stable he will then undertake a long and hard rehabilitation programme.

“Since the accident I’ve received so many wonderful messages and well wishes, I can’t thank everyone enough for those – it has been hugely supportive,” said Martyn. ”I’m also incredibly lucky to have amazing family and friends, who are all rallying around myself, Lisa and Alfie, and helping us through this tough time. As a result I’m feeling very positive and ready to face the tough challenge ahead. I’m just taking it day by day, hoping that I can make enough progress over the next three months to be home for Christmas.”