£50,000 raised for paralysed stunt cyclist Martyn Ashton

A paralysed stunt cyclist has said he can start planning his own long-term care and rehabilitation after receiving £50,000 in donations since starting an appeal four days ago.

Martyn Ashton, 41, from Margam, Neath Port Talbot, had set out to raise about £7,000 for rehabilitation equipment.

Friends suggested he set up a crowd funding page rather than sell his Colnago C59 bike worth £7,000.

He described people's generosity as humbling and touching.

'Remarkable'

Mr Ashton was a professional stunt cyclist, with his videos Road Bike Party and Road Bike Party 2 gaining more than 28 million views between them on YouTube.

But he lost the use of his legs in an accident during a live show in 2013.

He said equipment for people with disabilities could prove expensive so the money would be put to good use.

"I never, ever thought it would reach £50,000," he said. "I can now think long term. It's a remarkable thing."