Given this forum is populated by good folks who have a real appreciation for the joys that racers have brought us in the past, I though I might highlight the current plight of one such racer. Eddie laycock, arguably the Republic of Ireland's most successful racer with three TT wins and several years in 500cc GP racing, has had a spot of bother over the past few years. He developed a nasty cancer in his left leg and after fighting the good fight for some time, the only solution left was amputation. Because this fight had gone on for some time, the disease had spread and the doctors felt it necessary to take the left hip also, which means the prospects of fitting a prosthesis are very slim. Despite all of this, Eddie is in very high spirits or was when I saw him at Christmas. I am sure you will agree though that, regardless of how strong his spirit, he is likely to have some down days too. The operation was performed on December 21st and Eddie was home with his family on Christmas morning. He is a great guy who gave many years of enjoyment to Irish race fans at home and abroad and now needs at least our good wishes for a speedy recovery. His many friends have set up this website,
http://www.theeddiel...ck/Welcome.html and are planning a fund raiser in February. Please take a look and help if you can. At least if we gather good wishes for Eddie on here, I can direct him to this thread and who knows he may even become a regular TNFer.
I am also sensitive to the fact that I have opened this thread at a time when others in the world, the poor people of Haiti, have a far greater need for our help but I am confident there is enough compassion in our hearts to pay attention to the needs of those close to us as well as those in the wider world.
Thanks.
Mo Murray
Edited by MoMurray, 15 January 2010 - 21:41.