Mick Hill - SuperSaloon SuperStar - official website
The Funeral of Michael James Hill took place at Markeaton Crematorium on wednesday 3rd December 2014. The chapel was bursting with mourners, some 150 wishing to pay their respects with around 50 standing including myself, such was the turnout.
Mick`s children Greg and Cathi found the strength to tell us some enlightening tales about the great man. A rousing rendition of 'Jerusalem' and a lovely address by the reverend Geoffrey Halliday followed. Ted Hill thanked those who helped Mick in his final years. 17 years ago Mick had been fitted a `piggy-back heart` fitted to his own from a doner and given 5 years to live , this 17 years ago . And a final farewell , Mick`s coffin draped appropriately in a winner`s chequered flag , to the strains of Fleetwood Mac`s `The Chain`.
Amongst the motor sport fraternity present were Marcus Pye, Dave Taylor, Doug Niven, Gerry Taylor , Mike Berman etc.
Mick`s final lap of his beloved Donington Park was very fitting and rather moving as the funeral cortege lapped quite briskly around the track for him one last time en route to the service.
Christopher Tate, Donington Park managing director, said: "The team was glad to be able to honour Mick today on his last lap of the Donington track.
"He had always been a strong competitor in every race he competed in and was a well-known figure locally and in the world of motor sport. We wish his family well and send our condolences."
My footage from the bottom of the Donington Park pit lane as a group of us paid our respects to Mick. The funeral cortege took Mick round his favourite circuit for one last time . Credit due to Chris Tate of Donington for allowing such an appropriate send off .