A support fund set up for injured King's Lynn speedway star Lewis Kerr has stormed passed its fundraising target of £2,000 in less than 24 hours and stood at close to £4,000 on Wednesday morning.

Eastern Daily Press: Lewis Kerr with the King's Lynn Stars. Picture: Ian BurtLewis Kerr with the King's Lynn Stars. Picture: Ian Burt

Lewis Kerr, 25, who rides for the King's Lynn Stars, was competing for his lower-level side, Newcastle, in the Premier League Fours event at Peterborough on Sunday when he was involved in a collision and hit a fence.

The Heacham-based racer was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, after sustaining severe head injuries in the incident, which was witnessed by his parents and his wife Jessie.

His family is by the bedside at Addenbrooke's where he remains in a medically-induced coma.

The fundraiser account was set up by Caroline Love, who lives in the Ely area.

She's a fan of speedway and watches the King's Lynn Stars, Peterborough and Mildenhall.

She was at the event in Peterborough last Sunday and witnessed the horrific crash.

She said: 'It all happened in front of me. It shook me up.

'I thought it would be an idea to raise some money for Lewis, his wife Jessie and his family.

'I know money can't speed up his recovery but it can take some pressure off them at this very hard time.'

She's also a Wolves fan and remembered a similar fund being set up by supporters after a Watford fan was left in a coma.

She added: 'We initially aimed to raise about £2,000, but it's been crazy since we set it up on Monday night. I think we will just keep it going.'

On Wednesday morning the fund was close to £4,000 and was boosted by Norwich City footballer Ryan Bennett who sold his trainers on Twitter for £125.

Meanwhile, Newcastle team manager George English told BBC Radio Norfolk yesterday that there had not been a great deal of change in the rider's condition since his admittance.

He added: 'But that's nothing to worry about. The hospital is very happy with his progress.

'It's a long process, but there have been some signs of progress - a touch of recognition, a slight movement of an eyebrow. These are signs that the family, like any family, has clutched on to, hoping that they are positive signs.

'But his main condition has not changed very much. There's no better place for him to be and the hospital is doing a superb job. All we can do is wait and pray.'

Earlier in the week, Mr Kerr's wife thanked everyone for their support on Twitter.

Mr Kerr, born and raised in Snettisham, made his senior Elite League debut with Lynn last season.

to contribute to the fund, go to www.gofundme.com/d54vykh9fh9