WITH his hands clenched in tight balls, Matthew Sinclair shows the early signs of the severe muscle atrophy - a medical condition more common in people over three times his age.

Only constant physiotherapy and massage from his mother Jenny prevents his body from locking down.

It was on the Yorke Peninsula in January this year that a simple miscalculation while taking a bend on a stretch of road caused his ute to roll several times and land almost 50 metres from the bitumen.

Also in the vehicle was Alicia Redden - the sister of Port Adelaide player Jarrad.

While she escaped with minor injuries, she knew her life-long friend was in serious trouble.

The days following the accident were a blur of machines for Matt and his family as they prepared themselves for the worst diagnosis, but the young man’s fighting spirit saw him pull through.

But the car accident that almost claimed the 20-year-old’s life has left the young mechanic with a severe brain injury: he was unable to talk, move without help or understand the world around him.

That was just three months ago.

It was around that time that Jarrad Redden began a campaign to raise funds to help improve the quality of life of Matt and potentially others who have suffered similar injuries.
 
Over just 90 days, the injured Power ruckman raised more than $20,000 to support a young man he’s known since childhood.

In return for the generosity shown by the community, Redden will be joined by friends and former players in the Matt Sinclair Ride from the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre to Edithburgh on November 15 and 16.

It's a challenging 220-kilometre pedal that will see many townspeople along the peninsula join the ride as it nears its destination.

Matt has taken remarkable steps forward thanks to constant care at Hampstead allowing his injured brain to slowly begin repairing.

He is now able to talk to friends, family and even kick a soccer ball from his wheelchair.