A MAN who was paralysed in a car crash is holding a sponsored wheelchair push and walk in aid of the rugby club he plays for.

Scott Pyrah, 28, has organised the eight-mile trek from Harold Park, Woodside, to Roberts Park, Saltaire, from 11am on Saturday, October 1.

He will be raising funds for Halifax Wheelchair Rugby League Club, who he plays for in indoor five-a-side tag rugby league.

Mr Pyrah has been a wheelchair-user since he was paralysed from the waist down in a car accident in April 2007.

Then aged 18, he was travelling to Blackpool with friends, and was driving his Vauxhall Corsa with a passenger.

The passenger of another car threw a beer can at his car, and the two vehicles began to race, weaving in and out of traffic at speeds of up to 100mph.

The car in front braked at high speed and, when Mr Pyrah tried to avoid hitting it, his car struck the central reservation before the force of the collision flung the vehicle down an embankment.

Mr Pyrah, who was not wearing a seatbelt and had been smoking cannabis, cannot remember much after the crash, but police believe he was flung out of the sunroof.

He suffered three broken ribs, a punctured lung, swelling to the brain and severe spinal damage. While in hospital he found out he would never walk again.

The other driver, an 18-year-old woman, was given 12 months in youth custody.

Last year he spoke to students at Dixons City Academy, Bradford, about dangerous driving.

Mr Pyrah, who was from Wyke but now lives in Ashfield Drive, Baildon, said: “The club is on about going down next season as they don’t have any money.

“I want to raise money for them so they can get equipment including new wheelchairs. I was going to do the wheelchair push on my own but people are joining in as well now and doing a sponsored walk with me.

“The accident was a big shock to me but I have come through it now. It has changed my life a hell of a lot.

“I look forward to playing rugby every week. We play every Thursday night at Halifax College. The sport helps my fitness.”

Donations can be paid to the club’s bank account, Halifax Wheelchair Tag Rugby FC, sort code 30-93-76, account number 31123360, with the Halifax in Commercial Street, Halifax.