Former F1 driver Martin Donnelly needs your help

Former Lotus F1 driver Martin Donnelly is in dire straits following a moped accident which could result in the Ulsterman losing a leg.

Donnelly, who raced in F1 with Lotus in 1990 until a horrific crash in Spain ended his motorsport career, was taking part in a charity ride in Ireland when he fell and was struck by a fellow rider.

Unfortunately, Donnelly sustained a serious injury to the leg that was seriously damaged at Jerez in '89, with an amputation above the knee now a real possibility following an operation and infection.

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A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the 55-year-old former racer.

"[Martin] never made any money in Formula 1. He works his nuts off every week instructing and doing anything he can to try and pay his way," the campaign explained.

"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.

"Every day, it's looking worse not better. Basically, Martin cannot work for a minimum of three months, if at all, and he has no savings."

The GoFundMe campaign's original target was set at £10,000, an amount reached in less than 24 hours, encouraging the campaign's managers to increase their funding aim to £25,000.

If you wish to help Martin, head over to the campaign's web page, here.

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