Anderton quits after NW200 horror smash

[Mago]

Near-death experience changes racer's outlook on life

A RACER who almost lost his life in this year's NW200 races has said he's quitting the sport.

Antrim rider John Anderton, 29, crashed heavily in practice for the North West 200 at around 160mph, after losing control of his Yamaha YZF-R6 and impacting heavily with trees.

The rider suffered serious head and leg injuries and was in a coma for almost five weeks.

"It's changed my outlook on life – there are more important things to me than motorbikes."

John said his family was now the biggest priority in his life; he's planning to marry long-term partner Shona in the near future.

"I'm not going to let any more water go under the bridge. I'm not going to let her slip away. As soon as I'm walking again and can walk down the aisle, we're going to set a date."

Anderton is still recovering from broken toes, bones in the lower legs, a smashed kneecap and a broken femur.