Speedway riders to come together for brain damaged star

A champion speedway rider, who still holds the track record at Sheffield's Owlerton Stadium, Ricky Ashworth rode for Sheffield Tigers for a decade in a glittering career, but in August 2013, that changed forever after a crash at Scunthorpe left him on the brink of death.

The crash left Ricky brain damaged, and he spent 91 days in a coma in Hull Royal Infirmary, during which time his father, Dave Ashworth, kept a constant vigil at his bedside.

Despite being close to death, Ricky somehow pulled through.

After leaving hospital, Ricky moved back to his family home in Salford, where he is undergoing treatment for his brain injury and physiotherapy to help him walk again.

Now, in a bid to help Ricky regain his independence, his family want to extend their home to give him his own space. To help with the costs a special testimonial event has been arranged at Sheffield's Owlerton Stadium on March 22.

Ricky Ashworth was a champion rider who fought for every point on the track. A determination he has brought to his new battle to regain his health.

Click below to see Martin Fisher's full report: