NEWPORT promoter Tim Stone (pictured) is urging speedway fans to show their support for badly injured Exeter rider Lawrence Hare by sending cards and good wishes to him in hospital, writes Ryland James.

Hare has been in Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital since Sunday after suffering serious back and neck injuries during the Wasps' Premier Trophy 47-42 win against the Falcons. His family have made the long trek from his Ipswich home to be by his bedside and will stay in Newport until the rider is able to return home.

To help them, Stone has organised a bucket collection at this Sunday's opening Premier League match against Arena Essex.

Hare has no feeling in his legs and doctors say he has only a slim chance of making a full recovery.

Stone wants fans to show their support for Hare during what is a very difficult time for all those close to the rider, although it has been stressed no visitors are allowed at the hospital yet.

Hare has ridden for several clubs including Exeter, Ipswich, Rye House, Oxford, Edinburgh and Newport and Stone is planning some sort of benefit event for the popular rider.

Stone said: "This is obviously a very difficult time for Lawrence and his family and it would be nice if speedway fans could show their support."

Wasps open their Premier League campaign against Arena Essex at Hayley Stadium on Sunday in a match re-arranged from Sunday, May 26.

Stone explained: "We haven't had any rain-offs this year and we had a spare date to fill this Sunday so we quickly arranged for Arena Essex to come to us.

"It suited us and Arena because Kelvin Tatum has some long track dates to do." Anyone wishing to send a best wishes card or a good luck message to Hare should write to Lawrence Hare, C5 West, Royal Gwent Hospital, Cardiff Road, Newport.