Laverty to pay tribute to Dr John Hinds

Eugene Laverty will pay tribute to Dr John Hinds during tomorrow’s German Grand Prix by wearing a replica of the travelling medic’s helmet at the Sachsenring.

With over 30 Helicopter Emergency Medical Support units spread throughout Great Britain Dr Hinds had made it a personal mission to campaign for at least one unit in Northern Ireland. As well as being a friend of Laverty the pair shared a belief that this was a necessity for their country.

“John was a big hero to all of us back home,” said Laverty. “I met John in 2010 and he was always on hand to help me if I needed any scans or advice and coming from Ireland I have lots of friends who race on the roads and he saved a lot of their lives by being straight on the scene. I had a lot of time for him but also it’s important to support HEMS for NI. I want to help raise awareness for that and the petition already has over 45,000 signatures and that was something that he worked very hard for.”

Laverty’s older brother Michael, who is replacing Marco Melandri at Aprilia for this weekend, also offered his thoughts on Dr Hinds.

“John was an absolutely terrific guy who saved the lives of a number of my friends in his role as travelling Doctor. John’s personality endeared him to everyone he met, his passion for motorcycling combined with his renowned talent as a Doctor made him an icon in the Motorcycling world.”