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 Leah’s family contacted Vertu to share her story, and the dealership group didn’t 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 Children’s 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 it’s grown into something none of us expected.
“She’s just a normal kid who saw a really poorly child going through something awful and decided to do something about it. We’re so incredibly proud of her, sadly Jude passed away aged five in September 2023, but Leah wanted to carry on helping the Children’s 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 Leah’s 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 couldn’t 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 Leah’s achieved. She’s 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 - she’s certainly earned it.”
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu, said: “Leah’s story is one that really moved us. Her drive and her compassion, along with the sheer scale of what she’s achieved at such a young age is remarkable. We were delighted to be able to give her a day she’ll never forget.”