INJURED speedway star Thomas Jorgensen is desperate to see another green light – one that will allow him to swap his hospital bed for home comforts.
The 31-year-old fell awkwardly racing for Berwick Bandits in a Championship match at Edinburgh on Friday night.
After lengthy on-track treatment he was transported to Falkirk’s Forth Valley Hospital where scans revealed broken vertebrae in his neck and back.
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Specialists at the Scottish hospital decided that surgery wasn’t required but instead have fitted him with a rather cumbersome-looking neck brace and harness to aid recovery.
That has enabled him to walk around the ward and sit upright in a special chair for extended periods.
As a result, subject to medical approval the rider, known throughout speedway as TJ, plans to make the near 320-mile trip from Falkirk to his home in Boston, Lincolnshire this week.
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But that could prove to be an exhausting journey as he must avoid being jolted in the car and will need to make hourly stops en-route to exercise.
Jorgensen’s trademark beaming smile remains in place despite the fact that the Dane, who also rides for King’s Lynn in the Premiership faces a lengthy rehabilitation period.
Of the crash itself Thomas remains philosophical, ruefully admitting it was a solo effort with no other rider, or even a safety fence, involved.
“It was just the way I fell,” he admitted. “I knew straight away that something was wrong. But I’m fine and I will be back.
“Thank everyone at Berwick for their best wishes and support and, although I may not make it north before the end of the season, I will be following the boys and cheering them on.”
He also thanked everyone who had contributed to a gofundme page set up by long-time mechanic Steve Tideswell to provide financial assistance for Thomas and wife Samantha.
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