Family pays emotional tribute to
TT
racer Paul Dobbs
Details below here for the Paul Dobbs Fund
The family of TT racer Paul Dobbs, who
died while racing in the
second Supersport TT, have paid an emotional tribute to the popular New
Zealander.
‘Dobsy’ suffered fatal injuries in a
crash at Ballagarey during
Thursday’s race. His loss deeply upset the TT paddock and led to many
tributes. During Friday’s Senior TT some riders wore black armbands in
his memory and fellow Kiwi Bruce Anstey dedicated his third place to his
late friend.
Wife Bridget issued a statement paying
tribute to Dobbs, and
thanks those who have supported his family and friends since the crash.
It said the family were devastated, but adds they feel ‘that we are
lucky in so many ways’.
It continues:
“Dobsy died doing what he most loved,
in a place he loved and
felt at home and surrounded by people he loved and admired. He died
instantly and felt no pain. He had no knowledge of his end but was fully
focussed on the bike and the race.”
“After making a hard decision and missing the TT last year, I am
thankful that I was here at this tragic time. We have been
wholeheartedly supported by the whole racing community in both a
professional and personal way. We held nothing back in pursuing Dobsy’s
racing and so I need regret nothing. Our lives have been immeasurably
enriched by the TT and the Isle of Man.”
“I would like to thank Bruce Anstey who had Dobsy in his
thoughts even in his moment of glory after the Senior TT.”
Fellow racer Paul Owen stopped at the
scene of the crash to
assist marshals, meaning he abandoned his own racing ambitions to try
and help another rider. His selfless actions were recongised with the
presentation of the inaugural Spirit of the TT award.
Mrs Dobbs’ statement continues:
“I would especially like to thank
Paul Owen. Paul was perhaps
Dobsy’s greatest rival and friend at the TT. They were very evenly
matched and Dobsy measured his performance against Paul’s. They
invariably got together soon after a practice or race to share their
experiences. Paul’s selfless and big hearted action on Thursday moves
me beyond words. Without hesitation, he did everything in his power to
try to help Dobsy. Paul truly embodies the spirit of the TT and I wish
the award could be named after him for posterity.”
“This is a difficult time for Dobsy’s mother, Dawn. I hope that
she can overcome and put aside her hurting. She helped to make Dobsy
what he was and she should be very proud. Dobsy’s daughters, Eadlin and
Hillberry, are two very special people. They have lived an honest and
unsheltered life and I know they both understand exactly what this
means. They will miss their Dad terribly and there will be some hard
times over the coming weeks, months and years. But I also know that they
have been shaped by having Dobsy in their lives and they are all the
stronger, smarter and braver for that.”
“He really spoilt my week but he has brought infinite joy,
adventure and fun to our lives. He has energised and inspired. He will
live forever in our esteem, our thoughts and our hearts.”
“I know I speak for our team when I thank the Race Office for
their full and continued support at this time. I also thank everyone
who has been in touch with their kind words.”
She added funeral arrangements are yet
to be finalised, but said:
“Dobsy will stay on the Isle of Man
which was what he always
wanted. We cannot yet make detailed arrangements but we expect the
funeral will be early in the week starting 21st June and we very much
look forward to seeing everyone who is able to attend. Anyone who would
like to provide a motorcycle escort will be greatly appreciated. We
intend to celebrate his life not to mourn his parting. There will also
be a memorial service in NZ at a later date.”
Mrs Dobbs said Dobsy was ‘never overly
fond of flowers’ so asked
for donations in lieu of flowers to be made to the TT Riders’
Association, Rob Vine Fund or ACU Benevolent Fund.
Paul Dobbs Fund Details
Paul Dobbs (39) was a great friend, father, husband, and
motorcyclist. His tragic accident on the Isle of Man has seen the motorcycling
industry loose one of the greats. He leaves behind a wife (Bridget) and two
daughters, Eadlin (8) and Hillberry (5).
The Paul Dobbs Fund has been set up to help this
wonderful family through what will be a tough few months ahead. All donations
go directly to the family.
Donations
can be made online or at any National Bank into the
Paul
Dobbs Fund
National
Bank Pukekohe Account # 06-0405-0201898-00
Or
donations can be made at
Full
Throttle Motorcycles
212
Manukau Road
Pukekohe
Or
Cheques can be sent to
Paul
Dobbs Fund
C/-
Full Throttle Motorcycles
212
Manukau Road
Pukekohe
2120
(Please
make cheques out to Paul Dobbs Fund)