A MOTORCYCLIST who lost the use of his legs after crashing with a car last year has told how his life has been ‘turned upside down’ by the accident.

Marcus Tyrer says he was 'absolutely devastated' when he was told he faced the rest of his life in a wheelchair.

The 29-year-old, who returned home just before Christmas, said: "My life was just completely turned upside down, I’m still trying to come to terms with the news, it doesn’t feel real. I know it’s happened and it is real, but it’s hard to take in.”

Marcus, who now lives in Heaton with girlfriend Louise Edwards, daughter Ella and step-daughter — also named Ella — is still coming to terms with his life-changing injuries.

He said: “I have my days. Some days I will be really down and some days I will be down, but there’s no point in it, there’s nothing I can do to change anything, so I just crack on.”

Marcus will also have to find a different way of supporting himself and his family to that he has been used to.

He said: “I have always worked outdoors and, if I’m honest, I haven't got a clue what I would like to go into. I’ve always been a roofer or doing venting and stuff like that. But I won’t be able to do anything like that any time soon.

"I didn’t think I could ever do a desk job, but now I might have to."

The accident happened when was riding his Kawasaki motorbike back to his Tonge Moor home, last August when he was involved in a smash with an orange Nissan Note.

The car was travelling north along Crompton Way, but turned right into a driveway, crossing the southbound carriageway and colliding with Marcus, who was travelling the opposite way.

The 29-year-old roofer came off his bike and collided with parked cars.

He was rushed to Salford Royal Hospital by ambulance where he underwent major surgery on his back, arm and wrist.

After five weeks he was transferred to a spinal rehabilitation unit in Southport. But after further tests medics broke the news that the damage to his spinal cord was so bad he would not walk again.

Friends and family have rallied behind Marcus, and he says that Louise and their two girls 'Big Ella and Little Ella' have been his lifeline.

He said: "Louise was coming to see me every day, she is the only thing that has kept me going. I couldn’t ask for anyone better , she has been amazing and so have the two little ones as well."

Devoted Louise organised a 'dress up as animals day' at Rainbow Nursery in Heaton to raise funds for equipment Marcus will need, including a standing frame as he adapts back to life at home.

Children and staff at Louise's place of work donned costumes and face paint and there were also raffles and a cake sale.

Louise, aged 27, said: "It was very emotional, but him coming home for Christmas was the best Christmas present we could have asked for. "He is amazing, he will go out of his way do anything for anyone. I couldn't have asked for a better boyfriend and the way he has taken on the role of step-dad to my daughter as well."