Schoolgirl Treated To VIP Racing Day After Epic Fundraising Effort
A 12-year-old girl from Sheffield who has raised more than £63,000 for charity in honour of a little boy she befriended has been treated to a VIP motorsport experience by Vertu and its British Touring Car Championship team.
Leah Walton was invited to Donington Park for a behind-the-scenes day with Team VERTU, including garage access, grid walks, hospitality and a personal meet-and-greet with BTCC driver Tom Ingram. The surprise was arranged after Leahs family contacted Vertu to share her story, and the dealership group didnt hesitate to step in.
Leah began fundraising after her late friend Jude Mellon Jameson had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma. What started with sewing keyrings and hair scrunchies and other handmade crafts to sell, quickly grew into a community-wide campaign. She has since raised over £47,000 for Sheffield Childrens Hospital and £16,000 for Solving Kids Cancer.
She just wanted to help Jude, said her father, Craig Walton. It started with a few small crafts and a table at a local event, and its grown into something none of us expected.
Shes just a normal kid who saw a really poorly child going through something awful and decided to do something about it. Were so incredibly proud of her, sadly Jude passed away aged five in September 2023, but Leah wanted to carry on helping the Childrens Hospital in his memory, the place he fell asleep in his parents arms. Her fundraising since has helped fund research, equipment and support for other families facing childhood cancer.
The VIP day at Donington Park was designed to celebrate Leahs achievements and give her a memorable experience. Vertu ensured she had full access to the Team VERTU garage, a guided grid walk, and a Q&A with drivers " including Tom Ingram, who has enjoyed a strong season in the BTCC with multiple podium finishes, and is currently sitting at the top of the championship standings.
Leah said: I couldnt believe it when Dad told me. I thought we were just going to watch the racing, but then I got to go in the garage, meet the drivers and get up close with the cars. It was amazing!
The family first visited Donington Park a year ago, which is when Leah fell in love with motorsport. They waited to meet drivers but unfortunately were too late joining the queue and missed the opportunity to reach the front.
Team VERTU driver, Tom Ingram said: I was blown away by what Leahs achieved. Shes got this incredible energy and determination, and it was a real pleasure to meet her. I hope the day gave her a proper taste of the racing world - shes certainly earned it.
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu, said: Leahs story is one that really moved us. Her drive and her compassion, along with the sheer scale of what shes achieved at such a young age is remarkable. We were delighted to be able to give her a day shell never forget.