Donations pour in for family of dead Macau Grand Prix rider Daniel Hegarty
Since an urgent appeal was made last month more than 700 supporters have donated to the family of the Englishman
Donations have been pouring in for the family of dead Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix rider Daniel Hegarty with more than £20,000 (HK$216,000) raised since an urgent appeal was made last month.
Hegarty tragically lost his life at last year’s Far East classic in November when the 31-year-old hit a barrier at the notorious Fishermen’s Bend during the race and died on the way to hospital.
Hegarty’s insurance company refused to pay up on his policy because the tragedy happened outside of Europe.
Responding to the donations, the family said: “Thank you everyone for being so generous. It means so much to the family to know you are all behind these fantastic children, they deserve the start in life that their dad would have given them.”
Hegarty was a regular competitor at the Isle of Man TT, achieving his best result in 2016 when he was crowned Privateer champion.
The British Topgun Racing Honda rider was a former front runner in the National Superstock 100 championship. He made his debut at the Isle of Man TT in 2011.
Joe Hegarty described his brother as a “talented, committed motorcycle racer but firstly and always he was a devoted father to his two young sons”.
He said the JustGiving page was set up to raise money for a trust fund for “Daniel’s two young boys to help them in the future where unfortunately their father can’t”.
He said last month his brother’s death was not covered by his life insurance company, Combined Insurance, since the death occurred outside Europe.
A letter from the insurance company states: “No benefit or benefits will be paid under this policy for any bodily injury sustained or loss incurred whilst the insured is outside Europe, the United States of America, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.”
Meanwhile, the crowd funding page has been receiving words of support to the family – many from strangers.
Trish and Ray Bignell wrote: “We were so sorry to hear of your loss and the plight your family is in. Do hope this small amount will help a little – Dan was such a lovely man and a great motorcycle racer.”
