Racing 4 Disabled (R4D) has presented Queensland teenager Blake Colleton with a cheque of $6800 to assist in his rehabilitation after sustaining serious spinal injuries at the Wonthaggi round of the MX Nationals in April this year.

The R4D foundation, which was established by Harley Quinlan and Ford Dale, has been developed to raise funds for the assistance of fallen riders who suffer spinal injuries or disabilities.

“It’s all obviously based on donations, being fundraisers, the events we’ve held – especially the golf day – and that type of thing, so it’s good to be in a position to start donating some money,” Dale commented. “We were happy to donate Blake $6800 to help with his rehabilitation and also to help him get hand controls for his car to drive.

“Obviously every little bit helps and that’s what we’re here for, to get behind injured riders, so it’s good to be able to start doing this type of thing with Harley and everybody involved in the foundation.

Colleton said the support of R4D has been instrumental in his recovery to date, both through the donations made and ongoing support from the group including Quinlan, who himself suffered severe spinal injuries in 2010.

“Their support helps me out a lot,” Colleton explained. “It’s hard to pay for all the physio and everything, but they have helped me out a lot with just anything I need. Harley knows, he has gone through it all, so I really appreciate it.

“It’s been good with all the support from everyone – I don’t know how I would have done it without the support of everybody. It’s been hard, but the support from everybody means a lot.”

Colleton has been an inspiration to all in his road to recovery, supported by the motocross industry and wider community while undergoing an intense rehabilitation program. Blake’s progress can be followed on the ‘Raising Money for Blake #31’ Facebook Page by clicking here.

The page includes updates on Colleton’s recovery, as well as links to further fundraising efforts including memorabilia from some of the best racers in Australia and internationally.

Further information on Racing 4 Disabled can be found via the foundation’s official website at www.r4d.com.au. Additional fundraising events are currently being organised for 2015 following a successful year to date.