Tributes for Armagh doctor who died at Skerries motorcycle race
The family of a doctor killed during a motorcycle event say they have been heartened by public support.
John Hinds died while providing medical cover at the Skerries 100 race in Dublin on Saturday.
In a statement his partner Janet Acheson, parents and brothers said: “The widespread support and acknowledgement of John’s work, both nationally and internationally, has been incredibly heartwarming and a great source of comfort to us all at this terribly sad time.
“We are only now beginning to understand just how many lives John touched during his 35 action-packed years.
“John lived for his family, his patients and the biking fraternity. The world will be a poorer place without him.”
Dr Hinds, 35, from Tandragee, Co Armagh, worked as a consultant anaesthetist at Craigavon Area Hospital.
He was nicknamed one of the “flying doctors” of Irish motorcycle racing for the lifesaving support he provided during high speed bike races including the North West 200.
Dr Hinds was a strong advocate for a regional air ambulance and met Health Minister Simon Hamilton to discuss the issue.
His family has vowed to continue the campaign for a doctor-led helicopter emergency medical service and have urged members of the public to sign a petition in his memory.
Meanwhile, hundreds bikers are tonight expected to accompany Dr Hinds’s remains on a final lap of his favourite circuit – the Tandragee 100.
A funeral service is expected to take place at St Patrick’s Church in Portaferry, Co Down, on Thursday.
