An individual who was paralysed in a motorcycling accident at just 17 years old has launched a biker-specific fundraising appeal called Fight Back on behalf of Spinal Research for 2010. Dave Webb will front the Ride Out appeal in conjunction with existing charity ambassador Phil Armes who was left paralysed following a racing accident in 1995.

The appeal has already garnered support from two-wheel motorsport stars James Toseland, Neil Hodgson, Tom Sykes, Steve Plater, Guy Martin and Jenny Tinmouth. It is aimed at riders who love getting out on two wheels but understand that they are one of the more vulnerable road user groups.

Spinal Research is urging motorcyclists to raise funds by organising their own ride outs, joining an existing event or simply by visiting www.spinal-research.org and following the Ride Out Fight Back appeal link in the left hand margin to make a donation.

The charity provides support to try to assist with getting paralysed individuals walking – and riding – again by funding vital research into spinal cord repair. Recent breakthroughs in research have led to major new steps towards treatment and clinical trials.

However, with a one-year research project costing in the region of £50,000 and no government funding support, Spinal Research relies on donations and support from individuals to ensure that they can continue their important work.

It is not only walking and riding that can be affected by the injuries and motorcyclists, in particular, have been found to be at higher risk of sustaining brachial plexus injuries. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that conduct signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm and hand. Symptoms of an injury (which occurs when the network of nerves are ripped from the cord) include a limp or paralysed arm, lack of muscle control in the arm, wrist or hand or lack of feeling in the arm or hand, for which there is currently no cure.

The most common cause of this type of injury is motor vehicle accidents and within that group, riders injured in a motorcycle accident are five times more likely to sustain brachial plexus injuries.

Superbike World Championship contender James Toseland says: “I was honoured to be approached by Spinal Research after hearing the inspirational stories of some of the people they’ve already helped. I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to make a career from doing what I love and I can’t imagine not being able to ride, so I’ll be helping to support the Ride Out campaign as much as possible in 2010.”