Former Workington Comets speedway racer Garry Stead has undergone surgery within the last fortnight at the neurosurgery unit at Leeds General Infirmary and is currently recovering.
British finalist Garry rode for many clubs in a distinguished career including Stoke, Newcastle, Bradford, Sheffield, Wolverhampton, Hull, and Workington. He was paralysed following an accident at Somerset in 2007, while riding for Stoke Potters.
Currently Garry is facing another challenge after discovering that he had a non-malignant brain tumour. He underwent surgery two weeks ago to remove the tumour and is now on the long road to recovery.
On Wednesday Garry was moved from the neurosurgery unit at Leeds General Infirmary to another hospital to continue his rehabilitation.
Having spent some time with Garry, Paul Ackroyd of the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund said: “Garry is, as usual, being very positive despite this setback. He is showing his true Yorkshire grit – I don’t know how he does it.
“It is requested that Garry is given time to recover and at the moment he is only allowed planned, and pre-arranged visiting. Everyone in British Speedway will join us in wishing Garry the speediest possible return to health.”
Stead was signed by the Comets in 2006 and was made team captain, enjoying a good season averaging 8.47. He also reached the British Final at Belle Vue for the fifth time in his career.
He led the Comets to the Premier League Fours Championship at Derwent Park before promoter Dave Tattum came in at the end of the 2006 season to sign Stead on loan for the Stoke Potters. He started the season off well, top scoring in most of the meetings and he was made captain.
But on Friday, May 18 2007, Stead’s riding career came to an abrupt end at Somerset, when a racing accident left him paralysed from the waist down.
