Doctor John Hinds wins posthumous SPOTY award as HEMS gains momentum

Doctor John Hinds, Irish road racing’s ‘flying doctor’ who tragically los this life at the Skerries 100 race in July, has been honoured by the BBC with a posthumous Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero award.

The award, presented to John’s partner Dr Janet Acheson yesterday, is for his contributions to the sport, and helps honour the lives the incredibly talented consultant saved during his time with the MCUI Medical Team.

However, John’s legacy may yet continue past road racing, as plans continue to move forwards for a Northern Irish Air Ambulance, a campaign that he was a key part of and that has gained huge momentum since his death.

The award comes as news that the North West 200, a race where John and the medical team first demonstrated the necessity for an air ambulance after successfully utilising both police and coast guard helicopters to evacuate patients in recent years, will adopt the campaign as their official charity.

With an ongoing consultation meaning that there is potential for a helicopter to be in place as soon as this year’s even in May, NW200 Event Director Mervyn Whyte, MBE says it’s crucial for the racing community to get behind the project.

“Every race fan will be aware of the great work that the MCUI Medical team currently provide. To have an airborne ambulance service in support of the team will increase the speed and quality of the medical care they provide and we hope that everyone will support this fantastic cause during NW200 race week.”