A sporty young man who lost his leg in a motorbike accident is having new adventures with two local wheelchair rugby teams.

James Hazel was just 21 when he crashed his Suzuki motorbike on the A2.

He was planning to go to college and university, but in just seconds he collided with a tractor, a lorry, a van and a car. He was lucky to be alive, but lost his leg as well as breaking a number of bones and a puncturing a lung.

Now James, of Knockhall Road, Greenhithe, is trying to get his life back on track. He is looking for work and has signed up to Gravesend and Dartford’s wheelchair rugby teams.

Jason Owen, head coach of wheelchair rugby at Gravesend Rugby Club, saw James’ story in the Messenger last month and contacted the paper to see if James would like to join the team.

James has now been to training sessions, as well as signing up to Dartford’s team which will take him to a tournament in North Wales at the end of the month.

He said: “I love it, it’s really fun and they’re a great group of people. Some of them aren’t actually disabled, but it’s such a good game that they wanted to join the team after getting involved in rugby league at the club.”

James used to play rugby union, so it hasn’t taken him long to grab the five-a-side league-style wheelchair game, although he did concede still making a few mistakes.

The former skier and hockey player rarely uses his NHS leg because it does not support any weight when bent so is useless on slopes, steps or uneven ground.

He is restless with its limitations and desperate to get back a bit of normality but a better prosthetic is going to cost him £70,000.

James has collected £5,000 so far. To support him visit www.gofundme.com/legforjames.

To help James’ fund, his friend Carl Harrison, 25, shaved off half his hair and half his beard to raise money.

The pair met in hospital and despite Carl living in East Grinstead, they have stayed firm friends. Carl collected more than £200 for his quirky effort.

On Sunday, March 20 a boxing tournament is being held at Priestfields Stadium in Redfern Avenue, Gillingham.

There will be 11 fights from 2pm with British amateur boxers battling it out against the Irish.

The UKBC International title is up for grabs and the event is raising money for James.
Tickets range from £15 to £50 from kids to VIP tables.

For more information or to book call 07581071957 or 07515010845.