THE co-founder of Bury’s legendary record shops Vibes and Muse is in a critical condition in hospital after a horrific mountain bike accident.

Mat Andrew, who will have been familiar face to generations of music lovers in the 80s ad 90s through running Muse on Princess Parade in Bury town centre, suffered serious injuries while out riding his mountain bike on Vancouver Island a fortnight ago.

His family say the accident, in which he went over the handlebars, has left him paralysed.

They say that his road to recovery “will be a long and emotional” but added he is “not one to shy away from a challenge”.

The Bolton News:

(Matt Andrew with son Elliot)

Brother Chris, who ran Vibes in the Haymarket, said: “Our hearts are broke, such a tragic accident has changed Mat and all of his beautiful family’s life forever.

“Mat is our talented, crazy son, brother, uncle and brother-in-law and if anyone can get through this he can.”

Mat, aged 48, was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital where he is being on ventilator to help with his breathing, say his family, who have launched a fund to help with his intensive rehabilitation as it is not publicly funded in Canada.

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(Mat and Chris Andrew)

Chris said: “We are exploring and open to all methods of treatment to support Mat and his recovery.

“We are blown away by the amount of support, love and well-wishes and generosity.

“It is amazing to see the people and community within Mat’s life coming together to support him.

“With the financial support of Go Fund Me, Mat’s time will be 100 per cent focused on healing his body in every way possible.”

Former landlord of the Corner Pin in Stubbins, Jim Cunliffe, dad of Justine Andrew, Mat’s sister-in-law, said: “We are all heartbroken. Everyone is devastated. Mat has a 10-year-old boy Elliot. Everyone is just in shock.”

Mat and his brother left Bury for Canada around 25 years ago, with Vibes closing in 2011 after 33 years of trading. Chris, now works in a university and Mat continued to pursue his love of music and became known world over as Mat the Alien, gaining a huge following across the world as a DJ. He was due to be the DJ at his niece Molly’s wedding next year.

The Bolton News:

(Mat Andrew world famous DJ)

Both Chris and Mat are said to have inspired many people to develop a career in music.

To donate visit https://uk.gofundme.com/f/3ckgd-really-good-fundraiser