MONEY and best wishes have poured in for speedway rider Lawrence Hare who faces a future in a wheel chair after a devastating crash left him paralysed.

By Jo Macdonald

MONEY and best wishes have poured in for speedway rider Lawrence Hare who faces a future in a wheel chair after a devastating crash left him paralysed.

His aunt Lynne Dennis set up a fund to raise money for her nephew and in only a matter of days the appeal thousands of pounds have been pledged.

Her appeal has been backed by the Star, which is also collecting money which will be passed to the family.

It is a sign of the support and affection people are keen to offer Lawrence, who is based in Ipswich, and an indication of their determination to ensure some good comes out of the accident.

Mrs Dennis said: "He is going to need all the help he can get for later on so he can have the best quality of life he can and have independence if possible.

"It is not for now, it is for the future. His life will go on. He is still a young man.

"Hopefully people will be very generous. Lawrence is such a lovely person and we all want to help as much as possible."

Lawrence, a former Ipswich Witches rider, broke his neck in a crash at Newport where he was riding for his current team, Exeter.

He has been told he will never walk again.

Mrs Dennis added: "Lots of people have offered support for Lawrence and it is great that people are willing to help.

"Keith Rodwell is going to put on something at the AXA Sports and Social Club to help raise money.

"Belstead Brook Fitness Centre have also promised to help. This is where Lawrence used to go when he hurt is wrist in an earlier accident.

"And on Bank Holiday Monday, on May 6, I am going to go with six girls to the speedway in Ipswich. We are going to go round and have a collection."

Gainsborough Labour and Social Club, in Landseer Road, Ipswich is the latest to join the fundraising efforts for Lawrence.

On May 17 there will be a family disco and raffle to raise money for the speedway rider.

Entry to the event will be £3 for adults. Children will get in for free.

Anyone wishing to make a donation is asked to send a cheque to the Star. The address is: Geraldine Thompson, Editor's Secretary, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.