By Nigel Gould

A former Ulster rally driver who was paralysed in a horrific crash four years ago, flies to China next year for controversial treatment that he hopes will dramatically improve his life.

Christopher Rogers (39) from Draperstown, Co Londonderry, will undergo stem cell therapy - a technique involving taking cells from the organs of aborted foetuses and transplanting them into patients.

These cells are believed to promote growth, so compensating for deficiencies in the patients' cells.

Christopher believes this type of therapy, which is unavailable anywhere in the UK, is his only hope in ending the daily agony he faces from constant pain.

But he added: "I have to be realistic. It is doubtful I will walk again because of all the muscle wastage since the accident.

"But if there is hope I will take it as far as I can."

Christopher lost his ability to walk in April 2002 after an accident during the Monaghan rally which claimed the life of his navigator Shane O'Neill.

"Up to just above the waist I have no feeling.

"The problem is the pain from the nerve-endings. This is unbearable and I cannot get much pain relief.

"Hopefully, this treatment will help with this."

Christopher, a father to Shea (11) and Eimear (5), heads off to China in spring next year.

He will undergo tests for a week with the treatment costing around £25,000.

Part of the funds will be secured from the new Rally Specialist Medical Assistance (RSMA) Fund, a scheme designed to provide cash help for rally competitors who have been injured in competition and need specialist medical car, and the Monaghan Motor Club.

And as revealed in the Belfast Telegraph, a Rally Of 1,000 Entries to be held next month at Kirkistown, is to be held to jump-start the new fund.

Crawford Henderson of the organising team from Magherafelt Motor Club said: "We're aiming to get 1,000 entries.

"You can enter in any vehicle you like. It doesn't need to pass scrutiny if you're not doing the rally, and you don't need a competition licence if you're not doing the rally. All we ask is that if you do want to compete, then get your co-driver to give £50 towards the MSA insurance for the event."

For a minimum £100 anyone can secure their name on the entry list to drive in the biggest rally entry ever, while an additional minimum £50 secures a navigator's name.

And if all goes all goes to plan, the event will be entered into the Guinness Book of Records, allowing all those that took part to have their claim to fame.

Full details on how to bid are at www.rsmafund.com.