Over £10,000 raised for motocross photographer killed in Wiltshire
Simon Mitchell died whilst taking photos in Foxhill
More than £10,000 has been raised in memory of a photographer from Wiltshire, who was killed at the British Motocross Championships.
Simon Mitchell, who was 58, died on 14 May at the Foxhill Motocross Circuit near Swindon.
He was hit by an unmanned bike that flew off the course and crashed through a barrier made of hay bales, after the driver lost control and fell off. The Championships were abandoned later that day.
A second man, an event marshal in his 60s, was also injured. He was discharged from hospital that evening.
The 1.5 mile track is notorious for its challenging terrain, steep banks and large jumps.
'A dearly loved son, brother and uncle'
Since Simon's death, people across the Motocross community and beyond have paid tribute to him. Bosses at VMXdn Foxhill, which runs the venue, called the late Warminster resident "a brilliant photographer, a huge motocross enthusiast, and an incredible supporter of VMXdN Foxhill from day one".
"Simon was a genuinely lovely guy who always had time and wanted to help others," they said.
RHL Activities, which organises the British Motocross Championships, said the photographer was "a gentleman well known" within the sport.
Simon's family described him as "a dearly loved son, brother and uncle, who also had immeasurable passion for motocross and photography".
"We are utterly devastated, and cannot believe that he is gone. He has left a huge hole in our lives," they added.
How will the donations be spent?
An online fundraiser that was launched in Simon's memory has now received more than £10,700 in donations.
£4,835 of that money went towards the photographer's funeral at West Wiltshire Crematorium in Semington earlier this month. A further £1500 paid for food for guests who attended an event which celebrated his life.
The remaining donations, collectively worth more than £4000, will be split between Simon's favourite two charities: Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the Little Stars Appeal at Salisbury District Hospital.
Simon's sister Nikki Dancey has shared a statement on his fundraising page.
"Simon's family would like to, again, extend our sincerest thanks to each and every one of you who donated.
"We were able to give Simon the send off he deserved, and without all your wonderful donations, that wouldn't have been possible," she said.