BBC award for Billy after losing legs in Donington crash,
BILLY Monger, who lost both legs in a high speed crash at Donington Park, received the Helen Rollason Award for achievement in adversity at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Monger was nearly killed in a Formula 4 race at Donington in 2017 and had both legs amputated at Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham - one below the knee, the other just above.
Last night the 19-year-old, who returned to racing this year and finished a remarkable third in his first British F3 race at Oulton Park, received the Helen Rollason Award from his hero Lewis Hamilton at the Resorts World Arena, in Birmingham.
The Surrey-based youngster thanked his doctors for saving his life following the accident.
“A massive thank you for this award,” he said on stage.
“I came here last year and had the pleasure of watching Bradley Lowery’s parents come and collect it.
“It was such an emotional and special moment.
“I brought a few people along with me today.
“I have to say a massive thanks to my doctors and surgeons because without these guys I might not be here today.
“It’s a real honour to be able to share the stage with them. They saved my life.
“I set my targets quite high after my accident to get back to racing and without everyone at Carlin Motorsport I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my dream.
“Motorsport is a team sport. Their belief in me, more than anything, allowed me to achieve this.”
Formula One world champion Hamilton finished second in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award voting, with 2018 Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas taking the top prize. England and Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane was third.
After receiving the award, Thomas said: “It is insane that I am stood here!
“I’d like to thank my wife, she deserves this just as much. I’m really lucky to have her and my family.
“It’s been an amazing year for British sport and long may it continue.”