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Trainer Channon to return home

04/09/2008

Horse trainer Mick Channon is expected to return home today as he continues his rehabilitation after being seriously injured in a car crash last week.

The 59-year-old former Southampton footballer underwent surgery late last week after being seriously injured in a car crash eight days ago.

The incident, which also killed Mr Channon's close friend and racing agent Tim Corby, 63, occurred on the southbound M1 motorway at junction 24, near Kegworth in Leicestershire.

Mr Channon was taken to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham for treatment, suffering from multiple injuries including broken ribs, a broken arm and a punctured lung.

It is believed the surgery was required to wire his jaw, which was dislocated in the one-car collision.

Mr Channon's son Jack, 15, was also involved but escaped with only minor cuts and bruises. Mr Corby was pronounced dead at the scene.

The three had been travelling in the vehicle on their way back from Doncaster to the Channon family's Berkshire home.

In comments following the announcement that Mr Channon Snr was due to go under the knife, Michael Channon told the Associated Press news agency: "We have been petrified and worried and absolutely out of our wits worrying about our own family.

"But as for the Corbys, our hearts really go out to them.

"Tim was a friend of Mick's for over 30 years. He was a renowned figure in the racing scene who was universally popular in the industry.

"He will be sorely missed by the residents of East and West Ilsley, all of his many friends and, most of all, the Corby family."

Mr Channon confirmed his father is "absolutely devastated" by Mr Corby's death.

"His heart goes out to [wife] Sheila and [daughter] Adriana," Mr Channon added.