RACING ACE MAKES DREAM COME TRUE FOR INJURED BOY
Racing ace makes dream come true for injured boy
By PA News
FORMULA One ace Damon Hill made a dream come true for a 12-year-old boy who was seriously injured in the Omagh bomb atrocity.
Alistair Hall was in the out-patient clinic in Londonderry's Altnagelvin Hospital when the former world champion driver walked in yesterday, along with Jordan team boss Eddie Jordan.
The Omagh youngster's eyes lit up when he met his sporting idol. Alistair, who has had his right leg amputated below the knee as a result of the serious injuries he received in the bomb blast, said he could not believe it when the pair walked into the room.
I was wearing the Jordan team outfit and cap that Eddie sent to me a few weeks ago together with a model of a Jordan car.
"I love Formula One racing and I've always been a big Hill and Jordan fan. The day after the explosion, when I was coming out of theatre, it was the day of the Hungarian Grand Prix and all I wanted to know was how the Jordan drivers had done and I was happy that Damon came fourth.
"I told him his team got off to a slow start but not to worry because they're really flying now," said Alistair.
The Omagh Academy first year pupil, a keen rugby player, was accompanied by his mother Gwen who is also being treated for injuries she received in the explosion.
The Formula One driver said he was deeply moved following his meeting with Alistair.
"It's shocking that Alistair has to be in hospital following something that was very tragic. Eddie and I are only too happy to meet him and cheer him up.
"He's sitting there with his Jordan kit on. We brought him a few goodies and talked to him about Formula One and hopefully that will lift his spirits. He's a remarkable young man." he said.
The surprise meeting was set up by Alistair's best friend and neighbour Gareth Farmer.
"Basically after the explosion I phoned the Jordan team and spoke to Eddie Jordan. I told him about Alistair and he immediatelv said he would visit him with Damon at the earliest opportunity.
"I just can't put into words what this means to Alistair. Normally he's very quiet, but now you can't shut him up after the meeting," said Gareth.
Just minutes before Hill and Jordan arrived, 20-year-old Omagh student Suzanne Kelly, who lost her right leg in the explosion, was discharged from hospital to return home.
Her mother Chris is still in the hospital where she is being treated for head injuries sustained in the bomb blast.
By PA News
FORMULA One ace Damon Hill made a dream come true for a 12-year-old boy who was seriously injured in the Omagh bomb atrocity.
Alistair Hall was in the out-patient clinic in Londonderry's Altnagelvin Hospital when the former world champion driver walked in yesterday, along with Jordan team boss Eddie Jordan.
The Omagh youngster's eyes lit up when he met his sporting idol. Alistair, who has had his right leg amputated below the knee as a result of the serious injuries he received in the bomb blast, said he could not believe it when the pair walked into the room.
I was wearing the Jordan team outfit and cap that Eddie sent to me a few weeks ago together with a model of a Jordan car.
"I love Formula One racing and I've always been a big Hill and Jordan fan. The day after the explosion, when I was coming out of theatre, it was the day of the Hungarian Grand Prix and all I wanted to know was how the Jordan drivers had done and I was happy that Damon came fourth.
"I told him his team got off to a slow start but not to worry because they're really flying now," said Alistair.
The Omagh Academy first year pupil, a keen rugby player, was accompanied by his mother Gwen who is also being treated for injuries she received in the explosion.
The Formula One driver said he was deeply moved following his meeting with Alistair.
"It's shocking that Alistair has to be in hospital following something that was very tragic. Eddie and I are only too happy to meet him and cheer him up.
"He's sitting there with his Jordan kit on. We brought him a few goodies and talked to him about Formula One and hopefully that will lift his spirits. He's a remarkable young man." he said.
The surprise meeting was set up by Alistair's best friend and neighbour Gareth Farmer.
"Basically after the explosion I phoned the Jordan team and spoke to Eddie Jordan. I told him about Alistair and he immediatelv said he would visit him with Damon at the earliest opportunity.
"I just can't put into words what this means to Alistair. Normally he's very quiet, but now you can't shut him up after the meeting," said Gareth.
Just minutes before Hill and Jordan arrived, 20-year-old Omagh student Suzanne Kelly, who lost her right leg in the explosion, was discharged from hospital to return home.
Her mother Chris is still in the hospital where she is being treated for head injuries sustained in the bomb blast.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0414
Published Date: 15-Sep-98
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