Ryan Farquhar attends Malachi Mitchell-Thomas memorial lap of North West 200

Ryan Farquhar has attended a tribute lap of the North West 200 held in memory of tragic young rider Malachi Mitchell-Thomas - in a wheelchair.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jun 2016, 11:01 BST
Updated 27th Jun 2016, 13:28 BST
Ryan Farquhar, who was injured at this year's North West 200, attended the tribute lap of the north coast circuit today in memory of his fellow racer, Malachi Mitchell ThomasRyan Farquhar, who was injured at this year's North West 200, attended the tribute lap of the north coast circuit today in memory of his fellow racer, Malachi Mitchell Thomas
Ryan Farquhar, who was injured at this year's North West 200, attended the tribute lap of the north coast circuit today in memory of his fellow racer, Malachi Mitchell Thomas

Malachi, who was just 20, died after a crash on the third lap of the Supertwin race at the North West 200 in May.

Kevin Thomas, 51, the father of rising motorcycling star Malachi, was one of hundreds of riders who took part in the event.

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Mr Thomas rode pillion on the back of a motorbike for the memorial ride.

Malachi Mitchell Thomas's father, Kevin sits on one of his son's race bikes before the start of the tribute lap of the North West 200 course today in memory of Malachi. Malachi died in a crash at this year's North WestMalachi Mitchell Thomas's father, Kevin sits on one of his son's race bikes before the start of the tribute lap of the North West 200 course today in memory of Malachi. Malachi died in a crash at this year's North West
Malachi Mitchell Thomas's father, Kevin sits on one of his son's race bikes before the start of the tribute lap of the North West 200 course today in memory of Malachi. Malachi died in a crash at this year's North West

He told the Belfast Telegraph he had made the emotional journey on his own.

Kevin, who said he is “coping” following his son’s death, wished to thank everyone who played a part in the commemoration event.

“It is nice to know that the family of road racing came together to remember somebody they appreciated the talent of as a bike rider and his personality,” he said.

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He had a special word of thanks for Dungannon motorbike rider Ryan Farquhar who attended the event in a wheelchair.

Bikers set of on the tribute lap of the North West 200 course on Saturday in memory of Malachi Mitchell ThomasBikers set of on the tribute lap of the North West 200 course on Saturday in memory of Malachi Mitchell Thomas
Bikers set of on the tribute lap of the North West 200 course on Saturday in memory of Malachi Mitchell Thomas

Ryan was seriously injured in an horrific crash at this year’s NW200 and his life hung in the balance for a while. Yesterday was the first time he had returned to the course since then.

Mr Thomas added: “The event has been fantastically organised and run - it was just amazing.”

Related topics:Ryan Farquhar