Friends of a west Dublin man who suffered life-changing injuries in a motor racing accident have launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the huge bills his family now face.
Hughie Smith, 34, suffered injuries to his spine and is paralysed from the waist down after an accident while taking part in a motorbike race at Mondello Park on Saturday, April 6.
The dad-of-two's wife is expecting their third child in the next few weeks but the family are facing huge expenses as he undergoes rehabilitation.
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As the accident involved motor racing, the self-employed tree surgeon is not entitled to any insurance payouts to help cover the costs.
His friends are hoping to raise €200,000 to cover costs including medical expenses and a wheelchair accessible vehicle for the popular Templeogue man.
The GoFundMe campaign has already raised almost €25,000 since it launched yesterday.
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Pals said: "This GoFundMe campaign has been setup to reach out to all of Hughies friends, family, colleagues in his industry, the motor racing community and sympathisers from everywhere.
"We are raising funds to assist the family in transitioning to their new life and all the challenges that it brings.
"Unfortunately the family home is not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for conversion, therefore a new property will need to be sourced.
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"To cover these costs, medical care, a new wheelchair accessible vehicle, loss of income , family expenses during this time we have set a target of €200,000.
"As most of you will already know Hughie, I don't need to say that he would certainly do it for you. So please dig deep and LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN!"
Donations to the fund can be made here .
