The Aston Martin Aramco Formula OneTM Team visited Springfield Village in Tooting with one of its iconic show cars on Monday 21 September.
The car was on display in Chapel Square outside Springfield Hospital, giving patients, staff and local residents the opportunity to see it up close, take photographs and learn more about the world of Formula One. The visit was part of Aston Martin Aramco’s commitment to inspiring local communities and creating positive experiences for young people, and was organised by South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust and its partner Xerox.
Alongside the show car display, Aston Martin Aramco team members spent time with children and young people from Springfield Hospital’s on-site school, running a special design challenge. Pupils were invited to create their own cap design, with the winning entry set to be turned into a real cap by the Aston Martin Aramco team. Money raised from sales of the cap will be donated to charity.
Ashton Ntuli, Chief Operating Officer at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “It was fantastic to welcome the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team to Springfield. The visit brought together patients, staff and the wider Springfield Village community for a really special afternoon and created opportunities for people of all ages to get involved. We are incredibly grateful to Aston Martin Aramco for taking the time to visit us and for helping to create such a positive and memorable experience for everyone who attended.”
Jack Lindsay, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Consultant at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “The cap design activity was a brilliant opportunity for our children and young people to use their creativity and express themselves. They really embraced the challenge and were excited to hear that the winning design will be produced as a real cap. Experiences like this can have a lasting impact, encouraging self-expression and helping young people build confidence.”
Jak Crawford, Third Driver, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team, said: “For the third year in a row, we’ve visited hospitals and local communities across the UK to bring some joy to families going through a difficult time. For some of the children, it was their first time seeing an F1 car, so it was great to be able to give them an experience they might not otherwise have had and put a smile on their faces.
“We brought along a replica car, steering wheel and helmet for the children, families and NHS staff to see, and it was really special to see their reactions and share a little bit of the Formula One world with them.”
Debbie Wall, ESG Director, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team, said: “Our Make A Mark Hospital tour is at the heart of how we support communities across the UK, it has been incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact that a visit from our driver squad, alongside a replica F1® car can have on patients, families and the amazing staff who care for everyone.
“Make A Mark is at the heart of our team as we continue working with communities to create a positive impact that extends beyond the racetrack.”
Ian Martin, General Manager, UK & Ireland Public Sector, Xerox, said: “Xerox has long worked alongside the NHS, so supporting the Aston Martin Aramco Formula OneTM Team’s Make A Mark Hospital Tour felt like a natural extension of that relationship. These visits bring a welcome moment of excitement to children and young people receiving care, and they’re also a chance to recognise the extraordinary work of NHS staff across the country.”
