MCUI Medical Team asks motorcycling community to keep Race Chaplain Rev Noel Agnew in their prayers | Well-known Minister 'doing a lot better'

The retired Minister, who is one of the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland Ulster Centre chaplains, fell ill following practice for the Cookstown 100 races on Friday evening.

He was described as being seriously ill in Craigavon Area Hospital but his condition has since improved.

In a statement issued on social media, the MCUI Medical Team thanked their colleagues from St John Ambulance Service and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for their “immediate response” in providing treatment to Rev Agnew, after he suddenly took ill at the Orritor course on Friday.

It read: “Dear all, I am sure you would wish to take time to think of and pray for our dear friend and race chaplain Noel who took unwell after the races on Friday. As chaplains, Noel and his colleagues have been a pillar of support for the wider racing fraternity as well as for us, both as a team and as individuals.

“We are hugely thankful for the immediate and professional response provided by the St John Ambulance volunteers, and for the care from our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and both Antrim and Craigavon Hospitals.

“We are all hoping and praying for a full and speedy recovery. Due to current COVID19 restrictions it is not possible for anyone to visit Craigavon Hospital, and while we would all wish to pass on our wishes directly, it is probably best to allow the hospital staff to continue their work unhindered while we all await further news.”

One colleague provided an update via a post on Facebook late on Monday night which said the Rev Agnew was "doing a lot better".

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