A FORMER motocross rider who suffers with multiple sclerosis was taken to an event by staff at the Dawlish care home which looks after him.

Nigel Fay watched the riders at an event held at the Little Silver Moto Park in Exminster thanks to the staff at Sefton Hall.

They took the 66-year-old to see the Patchwick Trophy, the first time in six years Nigel has been able to see a motocross competition in person.

The former mechanic and director of the West of England Motor Club watched the tournament trackside from the comfort of a minibus which had the back doors flung wide open.

Sefton Hall staff arranged to take Nigel after he said he would like to see the famous event.

Nigel said: ‘It’s many years ago since I was at a racetrack.

‘It was brilliant, I last raced 20 years ago.’

Originally from Kingsteignton, Nigel started motocross tracing when he was 17 and raced for 30 years until his MS meant he could no longer take part.

Lisa Burge, Sefton Hall event co-ordinator, arranged the trip.

She said: ‘Nigel’s motocross friends and the racers came to say hello and last year’s champion Josh Gilbert signed his programme.

‘It was fantastic and well worth it.’

She said she had spoken to the event co-ordinator and explained Nigel’s situation.

She said: ‘I told them he was in a specially-adapted wheelchair which is not good on uneven terrain and they said he would be able to watch from the car park.’

Lisa went to the track on her day off to check accessibility.

She said: ‘Nigel has been with us for six years and I didn’t want to let him down.’