Hull Vikings - A team without a home - kept alive by its fans

PARALYSED Garry Stead says he just wanted to surprise fans - by turning up at his own benefit night in Hull.

The former Hull Vikings' star is confined to a wheelchair after cheating death in a horror crash at Somerset in May.

He is still in Pinderfields Hospital, and was not expected to be well enough to attend the fundraiser at Craven Park.

However, he shocked fans by wheeling himself into the Harry Poole Bar.

"I didn't think I'd be able to get out of hospital, but I spoke to the doctors late on Tuesday afternoon.

"They said there'd be no problem so I thought I'd give it a go" he said.

"I just wanted to surprise people, but it shows how well my rehab is going.

"It's the furthest I've been out of hospital since the crash."

Fans of the now-defunct Vikings packed into Craven Park to raise money for the rider who proved a real star over seven seasons, winning five trophies, including the 2004 treble.

The audience included five of that treble-winning team, its team manager Eric Boocock, plus a host of riders, including former world champion Sam Ermolenko.

The event raised over £6,800 through a race night, auction and raffle.

"It was an unbelievable turn-out" said Stead.

"I thought people might not come because it's nearly two years since I last raced here, but it just shows people are still behind you.

"It was great, just brilliant."

Stead said it's unfortunate his career is over and that Vikings have no home in Hull.

"It's unfortunate we have not got a track, but you never know it might come back again" he added.

"Obviously I wouldn't be back as a rider, but I'd still love to be able to come back into the city."

Sheffield Tigers - who bought Stead when Vikings went under in 2005 - are putting the final touches to their preparations for his benefit night on August 23 at Owlerton stadium.

A host of riders have already been booked, including former Vikings Joel Parsons and Emiliano Sanchez.

Hull Daily Mail