Welcome to my page! Yes, it’s really me, Shane “Shakey” Byrne!

I’m running the London Marathon 2026 to raise money for Spinal Research — which, if you know me, is a sentence that after 2018, NOBODY ever expected to hear and I never expected to say 😂.

First and foremost, I am NOT a runner, I’ve NEVER really been a runner and I’ve NEVER EVER wanted to be a runner - but one thing I’ve never ran away from is a challenge! 💪

Whilst I realise that, for some, running a marathon isn’t the biggest of challenges, being in my 50th year and being more used to going full‑throttle at 200mph… now here I am, unexpectedly and voluntarily running 26.2 miles, on purpose. Life comes at you fast, unlike my running speed! 🏃😂

In 2018, I had a motorcycle racing accident that left me with serious neck and spinal injuries. My injuries ended my career as a professional motorcycle racer — not ideal when you’re the reigning and defending six‑time British Superbike Champion, a World Superbike race winner, and a former MotoGP rider. One minute you’re on the podium, the next you’re learning how to get dressed and put your socks on, with what looks like a telephone mast screwed to your head which is holding your neck and spine together.

Thanks to a small army of so many incredible healthcare professionals who have looked after me, and still do, especially those at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, friends, and family (and possibly sheer stubbornness), I’ve recovered to where I'm at now, perhaps better than expected — even though I still deal with life‑changing injuries every day. Not everyone gets that chance.

There are around 105,000 people in the UK living with a spinal cord injury. For many, it means a lifetime of medical complications, huge care costs, and challenges most people never see.

That’s why I’m running.

That’s why I’m fundraising.

And that’s why I need your help.

Spinal Research is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to repairing and restoring the spinal cord. They receive no government funding — every breakthrough, every project, every step forward comes from donations.

If you can spare anything — the cost of a coffee, a pint, or even a cheeky post‑race massage — it will genuinely make a difference.

Together, we can help #CureParalysis.

And if you donate, I promise to run every mile with the same determination I used to throw at every single lap of every single track I've ever raced ... just slightly slower 😂😂

I’m determined to teach my two amazing children to never give up, no matter how tough things are. I hope to always make them proud. This one is for you, Zack and Lilly 💙💖🏃

Thank you for donating ❤️ Shakey#67