A PARALYSED mountain biker is running a one-off auction to raise lifesaving funds following a biking accident in Blaenau Ffestiniog in December of last year.

Andy Robinson is auctioning kit from multinational bike racing champion Rachel Atherton in aid of Wales Air Ambulance, helping the charity to funds its crucial missions.

Last month, Andy suffered severe injuries in bike-riding accident at a cycling event in Antur Stiniog in Blaenau Ffestiniog, four and a half weeks after he had won his first Downhill Bike Race.

The 45-year-old suffered severe injuries which has left him with a paralysed arm.

Whilst Andy recovers from the accident, he decided to raise money for Wales Air Ambulance by hosting a charity auction on eBay.

Andy is auctioning an autographed mountain biking kit from Rachel Atherton, a professional racing cyclist who specialises in downhill mountain bike racing, on the online auction site to raise funds for the helicopter charity.

The autographed kit is unique, as it is a piece from when the racing cycling was signed with the GT team, prior to her move to Trek bikes.

Andy said he was pleased to support the charity which helps support so may injured mountain bikers across the country.

“At the Wales Air Ambulance fund-raising day at Antur Stiniog on 13 December, I had a mountain bike accident,” he said.

“My injuries consist of a broken collarbone and a Brachial Plexus nerve injury that has paralysed my right arm and shoulder.

“I decided to do something for charity to take my mind off feeling sorry for myself and to remain positive whilst recovering, I contacted the Athertons through their website on the off-chance they would donate something to me so I could auction it off for the Wales Air Ambulance.

“I couldn’t believe how generous they were and received a full, signed Rachel Atherton GT Race kit — now very rare due to the Atherton’s moving over to Trek Factory Racing.

“I hope people dig deep and support a fantastic charity.”

Mark Stevens, Wales Air Ambulance fund-raising manager, said: “We would like to thank Andy for his support.

“By setting up this unique auction, he is helping us to raise the £6m a year needed to keep our helicopters flying all over Wales.”

Find Andy’s charity auction at http://ebay.eu/1Pn9U5a