SCHOOLBOY VICTIM OF BOMB MEETS HIS GRAND PRIX IDOL
Schoolboy victim of bomb meets his grand prix idol
THE spirits of a 12-year-old Omagh schoolboy seriously injured in the bomb atrocity were lifted on Monday, a month to the day since the blast, when Formula One racing ace, Damon Hill, paid him a visit.
Alistair Hall was in the outpatients clinic in Londonderry's Altnagelvin Hospital when the former world champion walked in, along with Jordan team boss, Eddie Jordan.
The Omagh youngster's eyes lit up when he met his sporting idol.
Alistair, who has lost his right leg below the knee, 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," he said.
Alistair loves Formula One racing and has been a big fan of Hill and Jordan.
"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 are really flying now," Alistair said.
The Omagh Academy first year pupil, a keen rugby player, was accompanied by his mother, Gwen, who was also being treated for injuries she received in the explosion.
The Formula One driver said he was deeply moved by his meeting with Alistair.
"It is 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 said.
"He is 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 is a remarkable young man.
The surprise meeting was set up by Alistair's best friend and neighbour, Gareth Farmer, who said after the explosion I phoned the Jordan team and spoke to Eddie Jordan. I told him about Alistair and he immediately said he would visit him with Damon at the earliest opportunity.
"I just cannot put into words what this means to Alistair. Normally he is very quiet, but now you cannot shut him up after the meeting."
THE spirits of a 12-year-old Omagh schoolboy seriously injured in the bomb atrocity were lifted on Monday, a month to the day since the blast, when Formula One racing ace, Damon Hill, paid him a visit.
Alistair Hall was in the outpatients clinic in Londonderry's Altnagelvin Hospital when the former world champion walked in, along with Jordan team boss, Eddie Jordan.
The Omagh youngster's eyes lit up when he met his sporting idol.
Alistair, who has lost his right leg below the knee, 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," he said.
Alistair loves Formula One racing and has been a big fan of Hill and Jordan.
"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 are really flying now," Alistair said.
The Omagh Academy first year pupil, a keen rugby player, was accompanied by his mother, Gwen, who was also being treated for injuries she received in the explosion.
The Formula One driver said he was deeply moved by his meeting with Alistair.
"It is 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 said.
"He is 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 is a remarkable young man.
The surprise meeting was set up by Alistair's best friend and neighbour, Gareth Farmer, who said after the explosion I phoned the Jordan team and spoke to Eddie Jordan. I told him about Alistair and he immediately said he would visit him with Damon at the earliest opportunity.
"I just cannot put into words what this means to Alistair. Normally he is very quiet, but now you cannot shut him up after the meeting."
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1199
Published Date: 17-Sep-98
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