THE family of a young motorcyclist who suffered life-threatening injuries following a crash in Poole say they are praying he will pull through.

Daniel James White was rushed to Southampton General Hospital after the bike he was riding was involved in a collision with an Audi on Constitution Hill on Monday.

The 21-year-old’s parents have been told their son may never walk again after breaking his back in four places.

His father, Michael White, said Daniel has suffered two punctured lungs and doctors say his condition remains life-threatening. He also sustained fractures in his arm.

Mr White and his wife, who live in Winton, have been by their son’s bedside every day since the crash.

“I haven’t eaten or slept for three days,” he said.

“We just want to make sure he pulls though.

“He has broken his back in four places. They say he is paralysed from the waist down and he will never walk again. People keep saying to think positively and to think of the stories you hear about when people are told they won’t walk but they do.”

Over the weekend, Daniel, began to rally slightly, with improvement to his vital signs as well as attempting to breathe by himself.

Mr White added: "The doctors have managed to save his leg. He's had five operations since it happened and will have another on Monday.

"I'm so proud of him. It's early days, but he is an absolute fighter."

The youngster, who has been riding motorbikes for around four years, was involved in a collision with a grey Audi estate just after 4pm as he and three friends were riding down the hill.

Mr White said his son was thrown between 30 and 40ft across the road following the collision.

"We bought his helmet for £134. It was the best £134 we have ever spent,” he said.

"I don’t know what would have happened if he wasn’t wearing it."

He added: “He has been riding bikes for about four or five years. He has always been careful. He took his CBT and he did a refresher course."

Daniel had just started a new job as a bin man and was enjoying being in work.

“He was so happy to work,” Mr White said.

The family say they are grateful for all of the messages of support they have received since the crash.

“We have been overwhelmed with messages of support. Our phones haven’t stopped.

“There were messages from 180 people in less than five hours. We really do appreciate it. He’s a very popular young lad.”

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash to contact Dorset Police on 101.