Violet's reunion with Horst

Violet McAfee, the spectator seriously injured in a crash at the 2015 North West 200, meets Horst Saiger, the Austrian rider whose Kawasaki machine collided with her as she watched the racing from a garden in Portstewart. PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON

The 44-year-old was left fighting for her life after Horst Saiger’s Kawasaki collided with her in a garden on the north coast circuit.

Violet was watching the Superstock race in a friend’s garden on the north coast circuit when she was struck in a three-bike smash during the event last year.

She was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition as medics also treated Saiger and fellow rider Stephen Thompson who was caught up in the crash.

The Austrian rider travelled back to Northern Ireland a few months ago to meet the Portrush woman.

“I am overwhelmed.” Violet said after the pair embraced at the special reception organised by her work colleagues.

“It is great to meet Horst for the first time and to have him here.”

“The worst thing was not my injuries but when I heard that Violet had been hit by my bike.” Saiger said after presenting Violet with one of his race helmets.

“I was very worried but it was one of the best days of my life when I heard that she was going to be OK. She is so positive and she says she is going to come and watch us racing again.”

Violet is hoping to attend Thursday’s races at the circuit.