Journalist Jonathan Lewis set up a Go Fund Me campaign to raise money to help former Formula 1 driver Martin Donnelly who risks losing his leg after a moped accident.
Donnelly raced in F1 in 1989 and 1990, until a death-defying crash during qualifying at the Jerez circuit ended his career in the top flight.
At the time he also faced amputation, after the horrific accident, the scene of which was attended by Ayrton Senna who watched as marshalls and medics extricated Donnelly from the wreck of the Lotus he was driving at the time.
The campaign started by Lewis, who wrote:
"This is something I have to set up to help Martin. We all know and love Martin but how many of you no he never made any money in Formula One! He works his nuts off every week instructing and doing anything he can to try and pay his way. He won’t be happy that I have started this page as he is a proud man. But as they say being proud won’t pay his medical and recovery bills.
"Martin, as you all know, is larger than life and even with his damaged leg from his F1 Jerez accident he has continued to be involved in this mad sport we love. 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 left leg just above his knee. Not good as you can imagine.
"I want to be totally honest there is a real possibility Martin could loose his leg something Martin has fought for over 30 years to keep. As I write this he has had an operation and they have pinned it but he has an infection. Every day it’s looking worse not better.
"Basically Martin can not work for a minimum of 3 months if at all and he has no savings. Please my motorsports friends and fans of Martin can you donate any amount to help him. Every penny we get will go directly to Martin for his personal expenses and medical bills while he can not work.
"He will kill me for doing this. But it’s an emergency that needs help. Thank you so much. Jonathan Lewis."
The campaign - which initially targeted £10,000 - has been met with great generosity and is already approaching £40,000 as a new target of £50,000 has been set.
To help Martin through his plight you can contribute here>>>
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