THE family of 'flying doctor' John Hinds have urged people to sign a petition calling for Stormont to set up an air ambulance service.
More than 52,000 signatures have been gathered in support of a dedicated northern service, which Dr Hinds had described as essential just weeks before his death.
The consultant at Craigavon Area Hospital, who provided medical cover at road racing events across Ireland, died in a motorbike accident at an event in Dublin earlier this month.
In a statement expressing thanks for the support they have received since his death, the family said they wanted to see the doctor's "dream" become a reality.
"We passionately believe in maintaining his dream that Northern Ireland should have a first-rate trauma network with a doctor-led helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) at its core, so that our survival rates are improved and more lives can be saved.
"Please sign the petition supporting the call (http://chn.ge/1JFkFSZ). Please do not part with a penny until an official trust or charity fund is launched to support John's vision. This may take months to set up so please be patient.
"It remains our dearly-held wish that John’s unique call-sign of ‘Delta 7’ is once again heard over the ambulance service airways as the HEMS helicopter is cleared to land on the helipad of the roof of the Royal Victoria Hospital, or in a field or country lane to provide life-saving medical intervention to anyone in need."
In the meantime, the family - partner Dr Janet Acheson along with Dermot, Josephine, Peter and Colin Hind - said they wish to see more people donating blood to help others by texting BLOOD80061.
They thanked people for showing "such deep compassion and commitment" in the aftermath of the tragedy.
"Without doubt, you all helped us to cope with this dreadful situation and heartbreaking outcome. We will not forget any of you."
Dr Hinds (35), from Tandragee, and his colleague Dr Fred MacSorley became known as the "flying doctors" of Irish motorsport, attending races to provide immediate treatment to injured riders and spectators.
When spectator Violet McAfee, who received treatment from Dr Hinds, was injured at the North-West 200 in May, a helicopter had to come from Sligo to bring her to hospital.
Efforts to secure an air ambulance service for the north have been ongoing for years, and Dr Hinds had met health minister Simon Hamilton to discuss the issue.
On Thursday, the Republic's government announced the creation of a permanent air ambulance service operating out of Athlone, Co Westmeath.
Several groups have expressed interest in launching a service in the north.
The People’s Air Ambulance, based in Omagh, last week announced that it was to set up a trust fund to accept donations.
Kevin Taylor from the group said: "Even if Dr Hinds family and friends, or another group, want to press ahead with their own service then we can donate that money to them. If someone else manages to get this launched before us we will give them the donations."
