A FORMER professional rally co-driver left paralysed after a cycling accident has reached his £40,000 target that will ‘change his life’.

Chris Wood fell off his bike a few days before Christmas two years ago, leaving him with little, or no, movement below his neck.

The ‘Help Woody Live with Tetraplegia’ appeal was launched to buy Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) equipment to help him regain full arm movement.

The money will also be used to purchase an electric wheel-chair, hoists and other items.

To date, the campaign has raised £41,060.

The campaign will continue to raise money, with the extra funds being placed in a trust fund to help Chris and other people.

The father-of-four, who is originally from Burnley, was an accomplished rally co-driver and had worked alongside Jimmy and Alister McRae, Martin Rowe, Jonny Milner and David Higgins over a 10-year career.

The 50-year-old retired from the sport in 2001, and is now looked after full-time by two carers at his home in Huddersfield.

Chris was in hospital for 10 months and, after physical rehabilitation, regained some movement in his left arm, but not his hands, leaving him unable to touch or feel anything.

Through his friend Rob Sinfield, the campaign has been supported by World Rally championship driver Kris Meeke, double British Touring Car Champion Jason Plato and Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans.

Chris said: “The new equipment will help me to build up by muscle strength and that will change my life immensely.

“I’ve very grateful to everyone who has donated.”

His dad Mike, 80, a former rally co-driver, who lives in Sabden, said: “I’m delighted that he has reached this total and I hope that the new equipment will change his life.

“It’s great that so many people and businesses have donated money to Chris and it will make a huge difference to him.”

To donate to the fund visit: //www.gofundme.com/6lshhw