The 21-year-old is regarded as a great cycling talent

Members of the Manx Road Club have set up a Trust Fund to help cover the costs of medical treatment for Isle of Man cyclist Jonny Bellis.

The 21-year-old is undergoing a long process of rehabilitation in Wellington Hospital in London, following a motor scooter accident in Italy in September.

Club chairman Bill Ward said: "Everyone want's to see Jonny fit and well and we hope this will help."

Bellis will need to stay at the hospital in St John's Wood until April.

The Saxo Bank team rider requires extensive physiotherapy to help him regain weight and strength lost in the four months since he suffered serious head injuries.

Hospital fees are £10,000 per month but doctors say his treatment at the hospital, which specialises in treating patients who have suffered serious head injuries, is vital if he is to make a swift and full recovery.

Jonny is a fantastic cyclist and a real ambassador for the Isle of Man Bill Ward

Mr Ward says the plan initially is to organise sponsored bike rides to raise money, but he hopes that other sports clubs in the Island will also help to organise their own fundraising events.

He continued: "We are giving out sponsor forms to anyone who wants to raise money for the fund which will go towards covering the costs of his medical treatment.

"Everyone involved in cycling in the Isle of Man looks forward to the day when we can see Jonny back on his bike and the aim of the trust fund is make that day happen as soon as possible."

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