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| Thorp: Steady's nightmare hasn't sunk in |
 FORMER Hull Vikings skipper Paul Thorp says it's "not sunk in yet" that ex-team-mate Garry Stead will never walk again.
The 42-year-old joined his 2004 Premier League treble-winning team-mates at last night's fund-raiser for Stead at Craven Park.
Stead, a member of that all-conquering league, Knock-out Cup and play-off team, was a surprise guest, after briefly leaving Pinderfields Hospital, where he is recovering from May's horror crash.
He will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair, after being accidentally run over by another rider.
"It's the type of incident that happens three or four times a week" said Thorp.
"I got run over at Rye House last season, but it was only my foot. "Unfortunately Garry was very unlucky.
"I don't think it's sunk in yet with me. As a rider you don't like to see other riders in that situation.
"People had told me how chirpy he was in hospital, and he looks very well considering.
"None of us can appreciate what he's going through, but he looks as though he's coping well."
Stead will also be trying to attend his own benefit meeting in Sheffield on August 23.
Thorp will not be part of the line-up having not raced at all this season.
After 26 years it's likely he has ridden his last race.
"I've not been on a bike for nine months now. I didn't want to look a prat in Sheffield" said Thorp.
Thorp was forced to leave Hull after a decade when Vikings shut in 2005.
After racing for Workington and Stoke in 2006, he was initially disappointed to be team-less this season, but now he's more philosophical.
He insists Stead's unfortunate injury has had no bearing on his own thoughts.
"I suppose we all know it's a possibility injuries like this happen, but you never think it's imminent" said Thorp.
"I've been racing 26 years, and everything in my body's working, despite various crashes.
"I suppose there comes a time when you have to start thinking are you pushing your luck?"
Hull Daily Mail
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