THE wife of former Professional Footballers' Association Chairman Clarke Carlisle, who was seriously injured after being struck by a lorry in North Yorkshire, has thanked those who have offered prayers for his recovery.

The collision happened on the A64 south of York at 7.30am on Monday.

Police are still investigating the cause of the incident, however, they have said they are exploring all avenues.

The road was closed between Copmanthorpe and Fulford to allow the air ambulance to land at the scene, and Mr Carlisle was taken to Leeds General Infirmary.

North Yorkshire Police re-opened the westbound carriageway at 9am, but the eastbound carriageway and on the slip road from Sim-Balk Lane remained closed until 11am while officers carried out a full examination of the scene.

Mr Carlisle's wife, Gemma, took to Twitter on Tuesday morning, thanking well-wishers for their thoughts and prayers and saying she was "overwhelmed".

Later she posted the first update on his condition, saying: "Clarke's very poorly but he's alive and stable. Best Christmas gift we as a family could wish for. Thanks again."

Mr Carlisle, 35, played for Leeds, Burnley and QPR and in the latter stages of his career York City and Northampton.

Peter Crouch, who played with Carlisle at QPR, and Joey Barton were among the footballers sending their prayers and best wishes.

Crouch wrote: "Just heard about Clarke Carlisle. Was close to Clarke @QPRFC lovely fella. Praying for him and his family #FootballFamily"

Barton said: "Just heard the news about Clarke Carlisle. My thoughts are with his friends and family."

An erudite speaker, he also appeared on BBC's Question Time and the quiz show Countdown.

He also fronted a programme on BBC Three entitled Football's Suicide Secret, where he investigated the stigma of mental illness.

York City director Sophie McGill said last night: "The club was shocked and stunned by the news and Clarke Carlisle is in our thoughts and prayers. We are all thinking of his family. He is somebody we know well as a former player and it's really shocking news."

A spokesman for QPR wrote on Twitter: "Thoughts with Clarke Carlisle and his family #QPR".
Burnley FC also used social media, writing: "The thoughts of all at Burnley Football Club are with Clarke Carlisle and his family."

Former Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton player and BBC pundit, Mark Bright tweeted: "Good wishes, speedy recovery, love to his family, a gent of a man, Clarke Carlisle. #footballfamily."

The Football Association wrote: "The thoughts & prayers of all at The FA are with Clarke Carlisle & his family at this sad time."

While Burnley supporter and former Labour Party spin-doctor Alastair Campbell ‏wrote: "Really hoping @clarkecarlisle going be ok. Thoughts with Gemma/two lovely kids. A great @BurnleyOfficial man and mental health campaigner"

Newcastle-born TV and radio presenter Lynsey Hipgrave also took to Twitter writing: "Gutted to hear the news about Clarke Carlisle, he's such a lovely guy. Praying he pulls through and thoughts with his family and friends"

Witnesses should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Sergeant Julian Pearson or emailjulian.pearson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk Quote reference 85 of 22 December 2014 when passing on information.