A GALASHIELS mountain biker who was injured in a crash while competing in a world championship event in Switzerland has been repatriated back to Scotland.

Darren Scott suffered two broken ribs and damage to his back and pancreas in the smash which took place on 12 September.

The 50-year-old former Scottish masters champion also sustained internal bleeding and a clot developed in his chest preventing his return.

An issue with his insurance meant that he was not covered in that country so his friend Sean Doherty who had been paralysed in a motorbike crash six-years ago resurrected his own fundraising account on the 22 Foundation website.

Within the space of a week, an incredible £22,000 was donated to help with costs.

After almost a month in the Swiss’ hospital Darren’s injuries stabilised allowing his transfer to the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh for further assessment and to begin his long road to recovery.

Speaking from his hospital bed ahead of his return to Scotland Darren told us: “I can’t get over how generous people have been. I’d like to thank everyone who has donated as well as everyone who got in touch to wish me well because it was a pretty rough time for the first few days. I’d also like to thank people across here who helped at the time and looked after my bike.”

A statement on the 22 Foundation website stated: “We are delighted he is back in the UK closer to family and friends. We are very grateful for the medical attention he was given in Switzerland and is now receiving in Scotland.

“It has been an extremely stressful time for Darren and the whole family but we have been very much humbled and comforted by the support shown to us by so many people. We would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes and donations, they are all very much appreciated.

“As soon as the doctors have finished their assessment of his condition and formulated a treatment plan for Darren’s recovery, we will issue further updates.

“Thank you all so much.”

At the time of the crash Darren was in overall third place in the World Enduro Championships having made the podium in France and was looking forward to the final event of the season at Innerleithen.

Despite missing out on that race, his efforts throughout the season saw him finish in overall fourth position.

Hundreds of friends have taken to social media to wish him well and Darren is keen to fully recover and get back on his bike.