A CANOE coach has been paralysed from the waist down after crashing into a brick wall whilst cycling in wet weather.

Darren Cresser, a father-of-two who is from Darlington, was travelling home from his job as a refueller at Leeds Bradford Airport in July when the accident happened.

The 39-year-old’s injuries were so severe that he was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary when he underwent emergency surgery.

He suffered collapsed lungs, a broken neck, fractured skill, fractures to his face, broken jaw, shattered right shoulder blade, broken right collarbone, as well as major nerve damage and a dislocated and broken spine,

A Just Giving page has been set up by his friend Louise Holt, as due to the nature of his injuries, extensive adaptations to the Cresser family house are required for when he returns home.

“Darren has made a remarkable recovery - doctors are hoping that within the next two weeks, he will start intensive rehabilitation.”

Mr Cresser was a competitive canoeist and a Great Britain coach in the slalom discipline.

The sport was how he met his wife Emma, 26, who is also a keen canoeist. The couple have two children - Lenny, aged six, and Dougie, aged four.

The page has raised more than £20,000 of its £30,000 target, with more than 200 people donating.

Ms Holt said:“It is going to be a tough time and the family are very grateful for the continuing love and support.

"Lenny and Dougie can’t wait to have their daddy home.”