A YOUNG man paralysed from the chest down in a horrific crash received a double boost this week when he featured in a programme about the medics who saved his life and his wheelchair rugby team won promotion.

Nic Kane, now 20, from Sandhutton, near Thirsk, suffered catastrophic spinal injuries when a car crashed into his motorcycle near Northallerton last year.

He believes without the fast action of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in getting him to the James Cook Hospital he would be dead.

On Wednesday (May29) he featured in a Helicopter Heroes programme about the crash and his battle to rebuild his life.

And at the weekend he was with the North East Bulls, based in Sedgefield, when they became the second division champions in wheelchair rugby.

He said: “It really has been an amazing week. The bulls winning the second division was a big bonus. I only started getting involved a few months ago and I really love it. There were quite a few players there from the Parlaympic GB team so it was really good to talk to them. I’m now hoping to join a gym so I can build up my strength and play more. It really is a big thing for me now - I go every week to train.

“If it wasn’t for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance I wouldn’t be here, it was them getting me to hospital so quickly and smoothly that made the difference I am sure. With spinal injuries it’s crucial, and if I had had to go to hospital by road I don’t think I would have made it, so I hope the programme gives an idea of how important their work is and helps with their fund raising. I can’t thank them enough."

An appeal launched late last year has raised over £10,000 for a special all-terrain wheelchair for Mr Kane.