BTCC racing drivers steered their way to visit Leighton Hospital patients and staff ahead of a busy race weekend at nearby Oulton Park.
The visit was part of the British Touring Car Championship’s ongoing community initiative.
Cataclean Plato Racing’s Dan Rowbottom and Adam Morgan, along with Nic Hamilton (Team VERTU), Chris Smiley (Restart Racing), Max Buxton (Speedworks Corolla Racing), Dexter Patterson (Steel Seal with Power Maxed Racing) and Sam Osborne (NAPA Racing UK) made a special visit to the hospital.
They met people who provide vital healthcare and support to people across Nantwich and Crewe as well as spending time with patients, sharing stories and experiences away from the race track.
The event formed part of the BTCC’s commitment to engaging with communities surrounding its race venues.
Rochelle Watts, Ward Manager for Ward 11 at Leighton Hospital, said: “It was amazing to welcome back the BTCC drivers.
“They were very gracious, taking time out of their schedule to be with everyone here. This visit has massively boosted morale for patients and staff and brightened up people’s days.
“It was inspiring for our patients to hear Nic’s story, showing them that there are no boundaries to achieving what you want.
“He inspired them to work through trauma or injury, and push through to the next goal to have the life they want for the future.”
Alan Gow, BTCC chief executive, said: “To be invited back to Leighton Hospital and be welcomed so warmly by staff and patients alike really was a wonderful experience for all involved.
“The NHS is a pillar of our local communities and to just share stories – some serious and some light-hearted – was invaluable for everyone.
“We will all need the NHS at some point in our lives so to provide some respite and enjoyment in the daily lives of some incredible individuals was a real honour.”
Nicolas Hamilton, Team VERTU, said: “It’s definitely important to continue coming here to Leighton Hospital.
“I think it’s lovely, it feels very humbling as well. We are very fortunate to get the opportunity to interact with so many great people.
“My mother was born at Leighton Hospital, she’s from Crewe herself. So to be able to share a little bit about myself, and my experience with the NHS. I wouldn’t be here without them.
“Their dedication to their role and their job and their passion is what helps people like me get to where I am today.”
Daniel Rowbottom, Cataclean Plato Racing, said: “From my personal experience, I have been in and out of NHS hospitals since I was a baby. It’s remarkable how much goes on behind the scenes.
“My most recent operation 18 months ago, only then did I really appreciate what goes on.
“It’s not just the nurses and the doctors, although they are fantastic and they are wonderful, but it’s the other staff, the porters, the cleaners, the cooks…
“So much goes on to make these places tick and it’s a real privilege to be able to give back, because without NHS hospital support, I wouldn’t be stood here now.”
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