The funeral service of Dr John Hinds is taking place St Patrick’s Church in Portaferry at 2pm today.
John’s partner Dr Janet Acheson paid a moving tribute to the man “who will own my heart forever”.
She said: “John believed it was easier to ask for forgiveness than permission and that is how his achievements leave us in his wake.
“I urge you all today, on John’ s behalf, to help us ensure that his dream of a first-class, world-leading trauma network – with a doctor-led Helicopter Emergency Medical Service at its core – becomes a reality, so that it can start saving lives on our doorsteps.
“There has been much made of John’s age (35) but as he used to say to me, with his infectious sense of humour, ‘age doesn’t matter unless you are a cheese’.
“John was my ‘quiet man’ who will own my heart forever. He radiated grace from the heart and love from the soul. Ride on in peace now Delta 7.”
Delta 7 was Doctor Hinds’ call sign.
John’s cousin, Father Michael Hinds, will conduct the service and readings will be by his youngest brother Colin and Janet’s eldest sister Tanya Tarry.
A eulogy will be given by Dr. Fred McSorley, a road-racing medic and close friend of Doctor Hinds.
After the service, mourners will leave the chapel to the sound of the song Lullaby by Creed, which John played to Janet every night before they went to sleep.
Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery.
