AN APPEAL has been launched to buy an all-terrain wheelchair for a 20-year-old man paralysed in a head-on crash.

Nic Kane was riding his motorbike alongside his father and older brother when a car hit him head-on at Yafforth, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, this summer.

Mr Kane, from Sandhutton, near Thirsk, broke his neck and has been left paralysed from the chest down with limited movement in his arms and is still recovering in James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

But friends and family say they have been inspired by his optimism and determination since the crash and a series of fundraising events are planned to raise £10,000 for an all-terrain electric wheelchair.

His mother, Trish, said: "This has been such a terrible blow, Nic had just qualified as a mechanic he had so much to look forward to. But he has never once said 'Why me? Why did this happen?'

“He has to be the most inspirational, bravest person I know, we are so proud of him. He spends his time trying to make us feel better.

"He has a motto 'if you can dream it you can achieve it'. He has another one but you can't print that one.”

The family are now working to get Mr Kane home, but alterations have to be made to the property first.

While in hospital, he tried out a wheelchair specially designed for outdoor, all-terrain use.

"He absolutely loved it, " said Mrs Kane. "He went up the corridor on it and came back saying it was like being on his bike - he could feel the wind in his hair."

The fundraising events taking place include a five-a-side football tournament at the astroturf pitch in Thirsk tomorrow (Sunday, November 25) between 12.30pm and 4.30pm.

The event will be followed by a cake stall, raffle and Christmas car sale at the Royal British Legion club next to the World of James Herriot in Thirsk.

On December 8 there will be a pie and pea supper in Sandhutton.

The driver of the car which hit Mr Kane was prosecuted for driving without due care and attention.