A paralysed motocross rider needs to raise £50,000 for pioneering surgery in Australia before his nerves permanently die.

Talented rider Darren Jones, 35, of Shoreham, broke his neck in three places in a riding accident last year.

He nearly died at the Golding Barn Raceway, near Upper Beeding, and was only saved thanks to an onsite paramedic.

Darren was left paralysed in his arms and legs and spent around nine months in hospital recovering from his injuries.

He has limited movement in his arms and hands but hopes by travelling to Australia to receive pioneering nerve transfer surgery he can gain better dexterity.

If he doesn’t receive treatment by November than the nerves in his arms will die and he will be permanently paralysed.

Darren said he would be unable to pay for the expensive surgery if it wasn’t for motocross friends fundraising for him.

He said: “The operation will help massively. It will improve my life significantly.

“I’m excited and quite apprehensive at the same time. The success rate is good to excellent. I will improve, I just don’t know by how much.

“You’ve got to be positive and to believe.

“I was a busy guy, working every day and racing at the weekend. I was very active.

“One day you’re in that world then all of a sudden you’re plucked out of it. It’s really hard to deal with. It doesn’t get easier.

“The motocross community has been phenomenal. They’ve really pulled together.”

Darren’s mother and carer Monique added: “The surgery could be life- changing for his independence.

"The difference will be small but great.

"He will be able to do all the things we take we granted like turning the door handle or making a cup of tea.”

An event will be held at Golding Barn Raceway, on Sunday, October 20.

Riders will be charged the usual £30 each with a raffle and auction planned at lunch. To donate go to www.darrenjoneslifechangingfundraiser.co.uk.