**Community Rallies to Support Family of Esteemed Rally Co-Driver Killed in Fatal Crash**
A remarkable fundraising effort has seen nearly £150,000 donated to support the grieving family of Dai Roberts, a respected rally co-driver from Carmarthenshire, following his tragic death during a motorsport event in Scotland. Mr Roberts, aged 39, lost his life in a crash while participating in the Jim Clark Rally on 24 May, with emergency services confirming his passing at the scene.
The motoring world and local communities alike have been united in their response, with an outpouring of financial and emotional support. The fundraising campaign, established in the days after Mr Roberts’ death, set out to assist his wife and children by providing for funeral costs and ongoing family support. Donations quickly surpassed £100,000 in the first 48 hours, with the total approaching £148,000 less than two weeks later—a testament to the high regard in which Mr Roberts was held.
The heartbreaking loss has been compounded for the Roberts family, coming thirteen years after Dai’s brother, Gareth, also died in a rally accident in Sicily. The family’s long-standing involvement in motorsport makes the tragedy resonate even more deeply among those who knew the brothers or followed their careers.
James Williams, the driver of the car at the time of the accident, was hospitalised with injuries that, while serious, were not life-threatening. The close-knit nature of the rallying community has meant that the shockwaves from the crash have been felt far and wide, prompting an extraordinary collective response.
Tributes poured in from across the motorsport fraternity, painting a vivid picture of Dai Roberts as more than just a skilled co-driver. Motorsport journalist Luke Barry reflected on the enduring impact Roberts had on those around him, observing, “The response since the news broke speaks volumes. Dai improved lives and touched hearts—he was a winner not only on the rally stage, but in the way he lived.”
Many colleagues and friends have recalled cherished memories and the qualities that set Roberts apart. Fellow co-driver Rob Fagg, for instance, shared a poignant anecdote about his last moments with Roberts, highlighting his warmth and spirit. “You will be missed by so many, my friend,” Fagg remarked, echoing sentiments expressed throughout the sport.
Welsh rally driver Meirion Evans described Roberts as ‘a proper competitor’ and a person defined by determination and strength. “There aren’t many like Dai,” Evans admitted, underlining the rarity of Roberts’ combination of skill and character. The emotional impact of his passing, Evans said, has left many in the community “numb”.
Andy Davies, a British rally driver and close friend, spoke movingly of their bond, which extended beyond the track. He credited Roberts with unwavering support at critical moments and said he would “always look back on the memories” the pair shared. Davies’ tribute, like many others, highlighted the indelible mark Roberts leaves on friends and the sport alike.
The scale and speed of the fundraising effort underscore the far-reaching affection and respect Roberts inspired, both among rally fans and in his home region of Carmarthenshire. The community’s generosity has offered a measure of solace to his bereaved family, standing as a powerful reminder of the solidarity found in times of profound loss.
For those wishing to honour Roberts’ memory and contribute to the ongoing support of his family, the fundraising page remains open. His legacy, forged through commitment to the sport and care for those around him, continues to inspire across Wales and the wider motorsport world.