A PAPHOS man will run the Cyprus half marathon next month to raise funds for legendary British motorcycle stuntman Eddie Kidd, who was left disabled after a 1996 stunt went horribly wrong.
“I heard of Eddie’s plight and as he was my hero when I was growing up, I decided to run the half marathon to raise funds for his foundation,” local businessman, Michael Antoniou told the Sunday Mail.
Daredevil motorcycle stuntman, Eddie Kidd made a name for himself by flying through the air on his Honda CR500 motorbike. He successfully performed numerous death-defying jumps on his bike, establishing himself as a world champion when he beat off a challenge from Robbie Knievel – son of the late Evel – to become stunt-bike world champion in 1993.
He also performed as actor Harrison Ford’s double in the film Hanover Street, jumped over the Great Wall of China in 1993 and left female fans drooling when he famously modelled in a pair of Levi’s in a framed poster.
Antoniou said: “Eddie crashed while performing a stunt in 1996 due to technical problems with his bike and he remained in a coma for weeks.”
The daredevil survived the horrific accident but suffered severe brain damage and was left crippled after flatlining twice while on the operating table. He still struggles to speak.
The fundraiser said: “His support from the NHS in the UK, including weekly sessions with speech and physiotherapy professionals, was all but stopped a few years ago. This resulted in his health deteriorating.”
‘The Eddie Kidd Foundation’ was then established. Its aim is to raise funds to support the treatment and rehabilitation of stunt performers and professional extreme sportsmen and women.
“I will give all of the money I raise to the foundation. I feel as if everyone has forgotten about Eddie and he really needs help. He is a British legend that should never be forgotten.”
Antoniou was initially intending to enter the 10K race in Paphos, but after hearing that Eddie had entered the London marathon last year to raise funds for children with cancer, he thought the least he could do would be to enter the half marathon.
It took Kidd two grueling months to complete the marathon course and he raised close to £100,000 for sick children.
According to the foundation, Kidd remains determined to walk again.
Antoniou said: “I have been training for the run since last September. I have a hamstring injury at the moment, but I’m sure I will be a lot better by the time of the race in Paphos on March 11.”
The Paphos businessman is dedicated to raising as much money as possible for his hero, and alongside entering the marathon, his company, Universal Decking, is putting a pergola or decking, which usually retails at around €2,000, up for auction.
“We are also going to be organising an event at the clubhouse and bar of the motorcycle club, the Dark Legion in Paphos to raise more money for Eddie. He will be live from the UK via a link on the night and we will also have some of his signed memorabilia to auction off as well,” Antoniou said.
The fundraising event also has the backing of local radio station, Rock FM.
Antoniou added: “As I understand it, Eddie and his wife live day to day with very little financial help. I’m hoping to raise as much money as possible and I hope the total amount will be in the thousands.”
For further information, or sponsorship details contact Michael Antoniou 99854375 or [email protected]
www.eddiekiddfoundation.com
