The family of a teenage speedway rider who remains in a serious condition following a crash say he is ‘going to win this race’ as he continues to fight for his life.
Sam Norris, 15, who rides for the Mildenhall Fens Tigers, crashed his 250cc bike while racing for the national youth team the Young Lions at the British Youth Championships in Glasgow.
The meeting was abandoned following the crash in heat 23, which saw the teenager rushed to a paediatric intensive care unit in the city, where he remains.
He had been on life support for two days with what his family described as a "serious brain injury", but they have since confirmed he has now opened his eyes.
He remains in a serious condition.
In an update on Wednesday, June 19, his family said: "Just an update on Sam we are pleased to say he has opened his eyes this afternoon on and off although he can't focus or track anyone when they talk to him.
"We can only hope this can improve."
Just hours before, the family said that a scan on Tuesday had only shown the original bleeds on his brain suffered at the time of the crash.
They added: "He's going to win this race."
In a statement, Speedway Great Britain said: "All in British Speedway send our thoughts and very best wishes to Sam and his family."
A fundraising page set up in the wake of the accident to help assist his family with travel and hotel costs has almost doubled its original £3,000 target.
The young rider's family has said the funds will also be used to buy special equipment in the case he is in need, while any surplus funds will be donated to charities including the Speedway Benevolent Fund and Glasgow Paediatric Intensive Care.
The teenager made a promising start to his career, having raced at venues across the country representing various clubs including the Reading Racers.
Last month, he finished second in the first round of the British Youth Championships at Foxhall Stadium in Ipswich.
More recently, Sam had completed his work experience with a motorbike dealership in Braintree, while continuing to work with his father in renovating classic fighter jets.
His Justgiving page can be found here.
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