Fundraiser launched for Draperstown motorcyclist

A fundraiser has been launched for a Draperstown man who was injured while taking part in the Southern 100 in the Isle of Man earlier this month.

Aidan Cleary was involved in an incident during the newcomer's familiarisation laps, and was taken out through no fault of his own by a stray bike from an accident behind him.

The resulting crash saw Aidan sustain a broken ankle and ligament damage.

Aidan’s new Yamaha R7 Supertwin, Arai helmet, boots and leathers were also destroyed.

Due to his injuries Aidan has been unable to work and being self employed has left him with no income.

Aidan’s friend Ross Eastall has set up a Go Fund Me page for the motorcyclist.

So far the page has raised a total £1,815 with a goal of £5,000 set.

Aidan, a life long enthusiast and racer, is hoping to take part in the Manx Grand Prix in August, an event he has spent the last 18 months preparing for.

He believes it will cost up to £8,000 for him and his team to make it to the event.

“It has been a disaster. It has been difficult for me with not being able to work and therefore the lack of income,” Aidan said.

“The accident happened through no fault of my own. I just heard a massive bang as I turned into the road on my right. The next thing I was lying at the side of the road. I looked beside me and the bike was wrecked. My foot was in bad pain.

“The bike I was riding on is completely mangled. Everything is bent and twisted on it. That bike won’t be able to go to the Manx Grand Prix. I will have to take another one. You are talking in and around £10,000 to fix the bike. I'll just have to put it to the back of the shed for now and forget about it until the winter time as it is too much money to even think about fixing it at the minute.”

Speaking about the injuries he sustained in the Isle of Man, Aidan continued: “In the Isle of Man they were talking 12 weeks in a cast. Of course it is disheartening but at the end of the day the bike can be fixed and my foot will heal.

“It could've been a lot worse. The accident happened five weeks before the biggest race of my life. I have been preparing for it for two seasons. The accident left me feeling gutted.

“I was at the fracture clinic on Thursday past. The foot is making good progress. I was a hell of a lot happier leaving the hospital on Thursday. They are seeing me again on the 8th of August, which is a week before I leave. The doctor reckons that if it keeps going the way it’s going then I should be able to walk out in my trainers. I was delighted to hear that news.

“I have also been going to the Oxygen Therapy Clinic in Larne. I have had seven sessions and I have five sessions booked for the lead up to the Manx Grand Prix. I hope to give it as much healing time as possible.”

Including taking multiple trips to the Isle of Man to learn the mountain course, the preparation for Aidan to get to the Manx Grand Prix is now time sensitive as it takes place between August 18 and 26.

Aidan says he needs the support of the public to help bring his dreams and hard work to fruition.

“There is a lot of time, preparation and money that goes to getting a start in this event. Everything has to be arranged around this event. We will be over in the Isle of Man for two weeks, so we have to take into consideration fuel, food, tyres, travel and starting fees. It's not cheap to do the Manx but it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am doing everything in my power at the minute to get there,” he said.

Aidan has had many successes at short circuit events such as winning the lightweight supersport Ulster Championship in 2023, but his proudest moments come from his success at road racing which he started in 2018.

In 2023, Aidan finished second at Armoy and seventh in the junior support class and achieved a third at Cookstown.

Fast forward to this year it was off to a flying start with a win at Cookstown first in junior support, third in lightweight supersport and a fourth in the supertwins class.

Aidan would like to express his gratitude to all that have donated so far.

“To anybody that has donated so far every penny is appreciated. Thank you to anybody who has contributed. It has been a great help. Anyone that is willing to donate it will help massively to help and support me getting to the Manx Grand Prix,” he said.

Aidan would also like to thank his sponsors; “I'd like to thank all my sponsors who helped me this year and previous years to get me where I am today without them the dream of riding the Manx wouldn't be possible.”

Aidan’s sponsors are as follows: Peter McCormack and Sons Ltd, Wilson electrical wholesalers, Landslide Engineering, Den Motorsport, G and A Contracts, Will-A-Ltd, AJH Contracts, Corramore Construction, SMC Builders LTD, HK Joinery, Architectural timberframes , EB Bodywork, Specialist Joinery Group Maghera, Vinyl Signs Coleraine and Cloane Construction. 

Donations can be made via https://www.gofundme.com/f/%20help-aidan-after-his-%20accident