A COURAGEOUS Junior British champion who suffered life-changing injuries after a crash is on the road to recovery - 12 months on.

Riley Dexter, now eight, was involved in an accident in Llandudno.

This was at the Wales Rally GB in October 2018. He was severely hurt after his bike and another collided on the promenade.

The determined bike fanatic, who was performing as part of the Supermoto UK team, sustained injuries including a broken femur, a fractured skull and an acquired brain injury.

These have affected the Sheffield youngster’s abilities including walking, balancing, memory, thought process and speech.

The family of Riley thanked everyone who has supported their son.

North Wales Pioneer:

Riley has a natural talent. Pictures: Jay Dexter

Jay Dexter, Riley’s dad, said: “Riley’s injuries sustained that day were very significant and are something he is battling with everyday in his normal life activities.

“We would like to express our deepest thanks to all the public who have wished Riley well and also the air ambulance staff for the job they did in saving Riley’s life.

“Riley has been making amazing progress, however his injuries have been life changing and are life long as we stand at this time.”

Riley had put an incredible amount of hard work in as he makes efforts to get back on his feet.

His dad added: “His recovery is still ongoing and something we will not know the full outcome of/ We just have to see with time what long lasting impact it will have on him.

“He has put in so much hard work, effort and determination and has managed to do some incredible things.

“He is back walking albeit with stability issues and has started back with education.

North Wales Pioneer:

Riley is an incredibly hardworking youngster who got his first bike aged two

“We hope that things keep improving for him and we will give him the upmost love and support as always with whatever he does and hope that he can live a normal life.”

Riley got his first motorcycle for Christmas aged two.

Jay said: “He has been bike fanatic from since he was born. He would watch MotoGP on the television and play with bike toys.

“Since he got his first motorcycle, he has been riding most weekends. He has a natural ability for it and it brought a smile to his face every time he jumped on it. We simply gave him the tools to enjoy himself.”

By the time Riley turned aged five, in 2017, he was old enough to enter the British Mini Bike Championship Junior Class and did so that year.

“He won the championship in his very first season racing against kids as old as 10,” Jay added.

“From this he moved onto Motocross and Supermoto with the Norasport British championship against 10-15 year olds on 85cc machines.

“In early 2018, he was invited over to Florida to race against the best kids there and finished third in the spec 50 class.

“He has achieved a lot at a young age and has a real talent.”

Riley is still having ongoing physio and educational help.

“He has some surgeries in the pipeline to hopefully help with some bits in the future as he grows,” Jay said.