Formula one driver Damon Hill yesterday made a dream come true for a 12-year-old boy who was seriously injured in last month's Omagh bomb atrocity. Alistair Hall was in the out-patient clinic in Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital when the former world champion driver walked in, along with Jordan team boss Eddie Jordan.
Alistair, who had his right leg amputated below the knee as a result of serious injuries he received in the bomb blast, said he couldn't believe it when Hill and Jordan walked into the room. "I was wearing the Jordan team outfit and cap that Eddie sent to me a few weeks ago together with a model of a Jordan car. "I love Formula One racing and I've always been a big Hill and Jordan fan. The day after the explosion, when I was coming out of theatre, it was the day of the Hungarian Grand Prix and all I wanted to know was how the Jordan drivers had done and I was happy that Damon came fourth.
"I told him his team got off to a slow start but not to worry because they're really flying now," said Alistair. The Omagh Academy first year pupil, who is a keen rugby player, was accompanied by his mother Gwen, who is also being treated for the injuries she received in the explosion.
Just minutes before Hill and Jordan arrived, an Omagh student, Ms Suzanne Kelly (20), who lost her right leg in the explosion, was discharged from hospital. Damon Hill said he was deeply moved to meet Alistair. "It's quite shocking that Alistair has to be in hospital following something that was very tragic. Eddie and I are only too happy to meet him and cheer him up.
"He's sitting there with his Jordan kit on. We brought him a few goodies and talked to him about Formula One and hopefully that will lift his spirits. He's a remarkable young man," he said.