Road racer Baylon pins charity hopes on new badge
A FORMER Co Tyrone motorcyclist is hoping to give something back to Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke following the treatment he received.
Baylon Mccaughey (61), who is a past Irish short circuit champion and winner of his local Cookstown 100, is selling badges based on his old crash helmet design.
A percentage of the sales will go to the NI Chest Heart and Stroke charity.
A popular person in the Irish road racing scene, Mr McCaughey has been very supportive of many fundraising events over the years.
In 2018, Mr Mccaughey felt short of breath and was sent to the Royal Victoria Hospital in
Belfast by his doctor, and since then he has received seven heart stents despite not being a drinker or smoker.
He said he was “one of the lucky ones” as he is alive to tell the story of his recovery from his heart issues.
“Thanks to their unfailing care and aftercare treatment, I feel much better,” he said.
“I would like to show my gratitude by giving something back to Chest Heart and Stroke so I have decided to sell a badge, of which a percentage of sales will go the charity.
“The badge design has been approved by all the relevant authorities and is now available to order.
“The badge carries the same design of my crash helmet I used when racing.
“This was based on my childhood hero Brian Steenson, who was sadly killed at the 1970 Isle of Man TT races, which coincidentally was my first visit to the TT races.”
Mr Mccaughey, who collects motorcycling badges himself, always dreamed of having his own. He has sold 150 out of 500 of his badges so far. I’ve 500 and I’d be disappointed if I didn’t sell them all,” he added.
“I really think I can do it. “I have a collection of badges of different riders from over the years and I always thought of having a badge of my own.
“I just never got round to it or never really thought about it,” he added.
“I’m not a top level racer but I was lucky enough to win a championship.”
The badges are on sale for £6 in Northern Ireland and £7 in the Republic of Ireland — including postage and packaging. Stickers are also available for £1.