The Hamster - Update

[Agrajag]

Top Gear Richard Hammond is said to have made “excellent progress” as he recovers from his horrific car crash last week.

The TV presenter suffered a “significant brain injury” after a jet-powered car he was driving for the cameras crashed, and spent several days in critical condition.

However, according to family and friends Hammond has been laughing and joking in hospital, and had even taken a few “shaky” steps.

His wife, Amanda, has expressed gratitude for the thousands of goodwill messages for Richard, but has asked for well-wishers to contribute to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance service, instead of sending flowers.

She explains, “Richard is now beginning to worry that (co-presenters) Jeremy (Clarkson) and James (May) will start taking the mickey, so it would be great if - instead of flowers - people could make a donation to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

"The service is entirely funded by charitable donations and there's little doubt in my mind that without it, Richard would not be making the excellent progress he is."

Doctors at Leeds Royal Infirmary confirm Hammond is now in a stable condition and in a general ward.

http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news?id=22659

It would appear that about £150,000 has been donated since this appeal. With £50,000 coming from one person.

[tesco]

Good to hear.
The show wouldn't be the same without him

[Agrajag]

I agree, I think the team has a great balance to it.

[100%]

I Apologize for being a cold bastard but,
Is this not a tv show we are talking about?
Yes Mr Hammond is a great character and his acccident has touched those that care.
But
If this was an american program would we not be more sceptical to the hype.
He is probably paid well, has insurance, knows the risks, has the charm,
In the end it comes down to the cliche that cars sre dangerous. Howver well they perform. So i guess no one will "buy" the car he had an accident in?
The program is after all about cars..

[Proper Bo]

I don't think anyone would be buying a rocket powered car anyway

[tesco]

I don't think anyone would be buying a rocket powered car anyway

Well someone did.

[Agrajag]

I Apologize for being a cold bastard but,
Is this not a tv show we are talking about?
Yes Mr Hammond is a great character and his acccident has touched those that care.
But
If this was an american program would we not be more sceptical to the hype.
He is probably paid well, has insurance, knows the risks, has the charm,
In the end it comes down to the cliche that cars sre dangerous. Howver well they perform. So i guess no one will "buy" the car he had an accident in?
The program is after all about cars..

I'll pass on your best wishes to his wife and two young daughters. It is indeed a tv show, however he is a human being, with a family.

The "car" is basically a helicopter jet engine on wheels and was hand built for this type of thing.

[tesco]

It would appear that about £150,000 has been donated since this appeal. With £50,000 coming from one person.

Would that one person by hammond?

[DorisInsinuate]

Jeremy Clarkson is loaded, I wonder how much he donated.

[tesco]

on wiki:

Clarkson and his fellow presenters have came under increased scrutiny following Richard Hammond's jet-powered car crash in September of 2006, leading to concerns that the show may be cancelled.[13] Notably, road safety minister, Stephen Ladyman has backed the show, stating of Hammond's crash, "I think it would be really sad if a real tragedy like this one was used to attack an entertainment."[15]