A perfectionist, a tireless promoter and supporter of motorcycle sport around the island and the first to help anyone out if they are injured or ill – those are the qualities to be praised in Pride in Mann nominee Nick Crowe.

And the achievements are more remarkable in the face of serious and life-changing injuries that Nick himself sustained in a sidecar racing accident in 2009.

Sulby Glen landlady Rosemary Christian who nominated Nick said he had risen phoenix-like from the ashes of his accident. He had remained very involved with the sidecar racing scene, running his own team in the TT and at other meetings.

‘He wants everything to be perfect where other people in his position might just sit back and say they couldn’t do it. But he’s not like that: it’s absolutely amazing and he’s such an inspiration to other riders,’ she said.

‘And he shows such a spirit of true sportsmanship because he will do so much to help other riders too, not just those riding his bike.’

His help and support for his friends goes way beyond the paddock too, she said.

‘If he’s going across in the van, he always asks if anyone needs anything bringing back. He brought the cider back for us when we had our festival - he didn’t even drink any of it either!

Nick and passenger Mark Cox were first on the road during the second sidecar race in the 2009 TT when they hit a hare in the road and crashed at Ballacobb on the approach to Ballaugh.

The race was stopped and Nick and Mark both received treatment in the UK for serious injuries. Nick lost the use of one arm, part of which was amputated. After further surgery on his leg, it is once again encased in a fixator, cage-type attachment. He also uses a crutch to walk.

Nonetheless he has been heavily involved with his own sidecar racing team with support and advice, particularly on racing the TT course. He still holds the lap record for the Mountain Course with passenger Dan Sayle, which has stood since 2007 at 116.667mph.

Despite his injuries, he still has a practical and hands-on approach with the team.

In 2011, he ventured back into a sidecar for the first time since his accident - this time as a passenger in the famous Freddie Dixon banking outfit in a parade lap to celebrate the centenary of the Mountain Course.

Rosie added: ‘He has a great determination not to be defeated. He stood in for us in the kitchen washing dishes, cleaning and drying evey single one. When I was ill he came up four steep flights of steps with his crutch and fixator, just to see how I was.

Nick said: ‘Rosemary is a fantastic lady and really good friend, and a staunch supporter since my accident: there was no-one more involved in giving financial help as well as friendship. To be nominated is great as I think a lot of her both personally and professionally.’

This year Nick’s team consists of rider Tim Reeves and passenger Dipash Chauhan. The team raced in the TT earlier this year as well as the Southern 100 races at Billown in July.