Donnelly crash fund hits £50k
A fundraising page set up to support ex-formula 1 driver Martin Donnelly’s recovery from a charity moped accident, which could result in him losing his leg, has raised more than £50,000.
Donnelly was on a moped ride in Ireland for the Teenage Cancer Trust last week, when he fell off and was hit by another rider.
The Northern Irishman, who competed in 13 grands prix, suffered an accident at the 1990 Spanish Grand Prix where he crashed at highspeed and was thrown from the cockpit of his Lotus 102. He received brain and lung contusions as well as multiple leg fractures.
Jonathan Lewis, who was due to start a Ginetta Junior team with Donnelly for the 2019 season, has started a Gofundme campaign for Donnelly while he is unable to work.
“[Martin] never made any money in Formula 1,” the fundraising page states.
“He works his nuts off every week instructing and doing anything he can to try and pay his way.
“Only last week Martin set off on a moped to ride around Ireland to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
“During this event he fell off his moped and was hit by another rider – this has broken his already damaged leg just above his knee. There is a real possibility Martin will lose his leg – something Martin has fought for over 30 years to keep.”
The statement added that Donnelly has already had an operation to pin the leg, however, a subsequent infection means hospital staff are not able to fit a cast.
The original target was to raise £10,000 but that goal was reached within less than 24 hours. As Motorsport News closed for press, the total had surpassed £52,000.