Thom family in Marathon Appreciation
Run as a thank-you to medical staff
THE family of Cookstown man Mr Milton Thom, who was seriously injured while spectating at the Skerries 100 motor cycle races last Summer, will take part in a marathon next month as a Thank You to those who helped save the hotelier's life.
Fifteen members of the Thom family will join thousands participating in the Belfast Marathon on May 4.

(Members of the Thom family, who are hoping to raise funds for the various charities)
The family has described it as an Appreciation Run to raise funds for the Burns Units at St James' Hospital, Dublin and Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast and the MCUI Medical Team, all of whom tended to the popular hotelier and race fanatic following the horrific accident at the Skerries Road Race on July 1 last.
Milton Thom, 77, proprietor of the Royal Hotel in Cookstown along with his family, was left in a critical condition after three riders collided at the Skerries "100" road races.
A road race supporter for more than 30 years and a long-time sponsor of the Cookstown "100" motor cycle races, Mr Thom was visiting friends and watching the racing from the front garden of Skerries race steward Francis Everard when an unfortunate incident occurred. As a result a petrol tank from one of the machines burst into flames and struck Mr Thom, causing severe burns to his face and chest.
The race and event were halted and Mr Thom was given first aid at the scene by MCUI paramedics before being rushed to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin for treatment. He was then transferred to the Burns Unit in St James' Hospital in Dublin, which is highly regarded as a national specialist centre.

(Milton, pictured with Cookstown Councillor, Trevor Wilson, Kenny Greer (son in law, and Alan Thom,(grandson)
After many months of specialised care and attention, Milton Thom was transferred to the Burns Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where again the medical staff were second to none.
Defying all the odds, Mr Thom came through the horrific ordeal and he returned home at the beginning of this year, where he is presently recouperating.
,A family member told irishracephotography.com "that it was decided to take part in the Belfast Marathon as a way of saying a sincere thanks to everyone involved in Mr Thom's treatment".
The family will run a relay team for the Appreciation Run.
Stated the family member: "The Thom family is deeply indebted to the race paramedics and staff at both the Dublin and Belfast hospitals for their unfailing attention. In addition, there were many others who have supported the family in Dublin and Belfast, not to mention many callers and well-wishers. To them all we say a heartfelt thanks."
Anyone wishing to sponsor the Thom family for the Appreciation Run can do so by contacting the Royal Hotel or any of the family.
Mr Thom recently attended the Press Launch for the Cookstown "100" road race in the Royal Hotel , where he received a tumultuous welcome.
photos, coursety Norman Bell.
Baylon