'Long road ahead' for injured TT star Jamie Hamilton

Author: Oli Rushby Posted: 11 Jul 2015

Jamie Hamilton has said he has a ‘long way to go’ as he begins the recovery and rehabilitation process following his harrowing crash at this year’s Isle of Man TT.

The Northern Irishman crashed out of this year’s Senior TT race on the fast Cronk-y-Voddy straight suffering serious head injuries and multiple fractures.

Hamilton was initially taken to Nobles hospital on the Island before being flown to Liverpool, where his condition was described as critical. Three weeks on, he is now beginning what will be a slow rehabilitation process at hospital back home in Belfast.

In his first public statement since the injury, Hamilton hints at wanting to ride again but acknowledges that stage is some way off.

“Today I was allowed to turn my phone on after three and a half weeks,” said the statement, posted on his Facebook page by his mother.

“I’ve had a brief look over messages and missed calls and it is so overwhelming to see the support I’ve had at this difficult time within the last few weeks. I wish I could reply to everyone individually though at this point I do not feel capable to do so.

“I have multiple fractures to my right leg and foot, fractures to my right arm and I also suffered a head injury so at this moment in time I have a long road to go before I will make it back onto a motorbike.

“I’d like to thank John and Rachel Burrows and all in the Cookstown BE Engineering Team and all my close friends and my mum for the support at this hard time.”

Hamilton also added his condolences to Doctor John Hinds, an Irish road racing medic who was tragically killed in an incident at the Skerries 100 last week.

“I’d just like to say my thoughts go to the family of John Hinds who sadly lost the fight. He helped me many times in the past. Thank you.”

The Isle of Man’s TT and Motorsport Development Manager, Paul Phillips expressed huge joy after receiving a text message from Hamilton earlier this week. “I’ve never been as pleased to receive a text as I was just now when I got one from @JamieHamilton44”, he tweeted.

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