
James Williams Rallying pays tribute to Dai Roberts
James Williams of Newcastle Emlyn and Dai Roberts, 39, from Carmarthen, were involved in a crash during the Jim Clark Rally, near Duns in the Scottish Borders, on Saturday May 24.
Tragically Dai did not survive his injuries while James, 27, was taken to hospital with critical injuries that were not life-threatening.
James Williams Rallying has posted a tribute to Dai, as well as an update into James' condition in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Hospital.
'Our hearts are with the Roberts family,' said the tribute posted on Facebook. 'Dai was a deeply loved member of our rallying family and the rallying community across the world.
'He was not only a co-driver to James, but a best friend, a pivotal part of our family-run team, and a loving and devoted husband and father. His warmth, humour and passion touched everyone who knew him and love that transcended motorsport.'
The post sent love and support to Dai's family and to 'everyone who was lucky enough to know and love Dai'.
'He will always be with us in our hearts and in our stories,' it read. 'We will all step-up for the Roberts family, the way Dai always showed up for so many on so many occasions.'
James from Newcastle Emlyn has undergone successful surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
He is now stable, able to communicate and slowly gaining strength with each passing day.
'He has received incredible care from the emergency services and hospital team, for which we are endlessly grateful,' said the James Williams Rallying team.
'While there is still a long journey ahead both physically and emotionally, the trajectory so far has been positive.'
The update said that the messages sent by supporters had been shared with James and
'truly meant so much'.
'The support from the rallying and wider community has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated by everyone around James,' said the post.
'Thank you for your continued compassion, respect, privacy and support to both families during this incredibly difficult time.'
James and Dai were in a Hyundai i20N Rally2 as they battled for the lead of the British Rally Championship contest.
Police Scotland said that inquiries were ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the crash.
Motorsport UK has also initiated a full investigation and says it will work closely with the Jim Clark Rally event organisers and Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club and will co-operate with the relevant authorities.
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