Britain’s most successful Superbike rider is taking on the London Marathon eight years after suffering life-changing injuries in a career-ending crash.
Shane “Shakey” Bryne, a former Sittingbourne schoolboy from Sheppey, was at the peak of his career and reigning British champion when he came off his bike at Snetterton in Norfolk in May 2018.
Former Sittingbourne schoolboy Shane “Shakey” Byrne suffered life-changing injuries after a career-ending crash
The record-breaking rider, who holds an unprecedented six British Superbike Championship titles, was on a test run of the circuit – for which he holds the track record – riding a Ducati superbike when he slammed into the tyre wall barrier.
He sustained multiple fractures and internal injuries, which left him temporarily paralysed.
Speaking after the horror crash in July 2018, the father of two told KentOnline: “When I woke up from the op and realised I wasn’t paralysed, I was so relieved.”
He went on to win a High Court case after a judge found Motorsport Vision Racing, Motorsport Vision – which owns the track – and the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board were liable for his injuries in November 2024.
Fast forward to today, and the former pupil of St John’s High School for Boys in Sittingbourne is training to run the London Marathon in aid of Spinal Research.
Britain’s most successful superbike rider, Shane “Shakey” Byrne, is running the London Marathon to raise money for Spinal Research
The charity is the UK’s leading fundraiser for research into function-restoring treatments for people paralysed after a spinal cord injury.
The 50-year-old said: “One minute you’re on the podium, the next you’re learning how to get dressed and put your socks on, with what looks like a telephone mast screwed to your head, which is holding your neck and spine together.
“When I think back to where I was after the accident, there were some pretty dark times.
“So, just being here and being able to put one foot in front of the other is a blessing I don’t take for granted.
“I basically broke the whole of my upper body in the crash – my back, neck, ribs, chest, collar bone – and it’s a miracle I wasn’t killed or paralysed.
Shane “Shakey” Byrne, from Sheppey, is Britain’s most successful Superbike rider
“Bits are still broken but I’ve kept my head down, tried to stay humble and kept myself in the best shape possible.
“The physical recovery was one thing, but the mental side – the fear, the frustration, the uncertainty – was every bit as tough.
“Turning 50 last December made me realise it was time to do something that mattered.
“I want to test myself again, but more importantly, I want to help others who haven’t been as lucky as me.”
Shane, who was also a World Superbike race winner and former MotoGP rider, is now a TV pundit for the sport he loves and runs a sports management company looking after young champions in the making.
Shane “Shakey” Byrne with his autobiography – Unshakeable – published in 2020
He added: “Everyone thinks I’m mad. The training has been really tough, but if me running this marathon gives even one person hope, or helps fund research that means someone else doesn’t have to face a lifetime of paralysis, then every mile will be worth it.”
Commenting on his online fundraiser, he said: “I’m determined to teach my two amazing children to never give up, no matter how tough things are.
“I hope to always make them proud. This one is for you, Zack and Lilly.”
To support Shakey go to his JustGiving Page by clicking here.
Every two hours someone in the UK is paralysed after a spinal cord injury.
Suzanne Redding, head of audience and community for Spinal Research, said: “The first function restoring treatments in history are now available and more breakthrough therapies are coming.
“But we urgently need funds to get these to the people who need them.
“So, we’re incredibly grateful to Shane for joining Team Spinal at this year’s London Marathon, particularly knowing how much he has overcome following his own serious injuries.
“Every pound raised takes us a step closer to our goal of curing paralysis.”