A TOP south Cumbria motorcyclist is in intensive care in China following a serious crash during a prestigious race. 

Tom McHale suffered the heavy fall in the Macau Grand Prix on Friday. 

The Grange rider, who had recently recovered from a high-speed crash at the Ulster Grand Prix in August, came off on the notoriously fast Mandarin corner at the China venue. 

A statement on Mr McHale's racing page on Facebook said yesterday: "Tom is stable after a long multi-surgery and the doctors believe that he will fully recover from his violent accident last Friday. 

"Tom is still in ICU until he becomes less dependent of artificial supports, and becomes stronger to avoid any risks of infections. 

"All the messages are really important for us to help Tom in this fight."

Mr McHale, who is in his early 30s, works for IT Shaw Ltd plant hire in Ulverston.

The race in China represented a big step forward in the rider's career. And he had postponed a shoulder operation in order to avoid missing out on the opportunity. 

Les Trotter, who writes in the Evening Mail's Motors supplement each Friday and is an expert on the local motorsport scene, said the Macau course was notoriously challenging and "certainly not for the faint hearted". 

He said: "Everybody is rooting for him. 

"Along with the TT course (Isle of Mann), it's one of the most challenging courses in the world - it's lined with Armco barriers all the way round, with no run-off areas at all."

Mr Trotter said Mr McHale was racing with "legends" such as John McGuinness, Michael Rutter, Ian Hutchinson, Connor Cummins and many other big names from the road racing world. 

Following his crash, friends have started a campaign to raise the money needed to rebuild Mr McHale's bike.

A post on his Facebook page said: "Even though he still in a serious condition, his main concern before he went to surgery was with his bike and when he will be able to race again (typical racer). 

"We are trying to raise as much money as possible to surprise Tom when he gets out of hospital and any help would be greatly appreciated."

To donate, search for Tom Mac Racing on Facebook and follow the link, or email tom1mac@hotmail.co.uk.