Former Ipswich Witches speedway star Lawrence ‘Lol’ Hare has spoken about opening an exciting new chapter of his life as he and partner Lucy Westley expect their first child.

Ipswich Star: Lol Hare gets a cuddle from Lucy Westley back in 2004Lol Hare gets a cuddle from Lucy Westley back in 2004

Mr Hare was paralysed after being injured in a crash during a meeting at Newport in 2002 and was told by doctors he would not be able to walk again.

But since then the 44-year-old, who has no feeling below his chest, has rebuilt his life and is delighted at the news of the new arrival.

The couple met in 2003 and live in Old Norwich Road at a house specially adapted for Mr Hare’s wheelchair.

Miss Westley, 31, is expected to give birth in August but the pair have decided to keep the gender a surprise.

“We’re not worried about gender,” Mr Hare said. “As long as it’s good and healthy. We’re not worried either way.”

A lot of their time at the moment is being spent preparing the house for its newest occupant.

Mr Hare, known to many speedway fans simply as Lol, said: “It’s been quite busy moving things around at home.

“Lucy is a really organised sort of person so she’s great that way and I’m quite good that way too.

“We’ve had my brother always to hand and obviously our parents are helping out.

“It seems like the time’s rapidly approaching.”

After the trauma of his life changing accident Mr Hare said having children was not something he’d thought too much about.

He said: “At 44 now I wasn’t expecting it to happen really. But sometimes it’s always in the back of your mind.

“Looking back over the days I was in hospital with my injury I never really dreamed in a million years this would happen really.

“It took a number of years to get to grips with the injuries I had health wise and mentally.

“Gradually though things settle down and your life evens out, then this comes along and perhaps it’ll give me a whole new chapter. It’s unreal really.

“I’m looking forward to it as time goes on and I watch the bump get bigger and bigger.

“I’m definitely a little bit nervous but we’re all looking forward to it really.”

As well as riding for the Witches, Mr Hare, born in Elmsett, also raced for Oxford, Exeter, Rye House and Edinburgh during his career.