A Formula One racing team has renewed its commitment to the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), in recognition of the support it has given to the team’s founder.
Williams Racing has announced that SIA will continue to be the official charity of the team, a status is has had since 2015.
The team has a long association with the charity – which provides information, advice and support to the 50,000 people living with spinal injury in the UK – dating back to when Sir Frank Williams became spinal cord injured following a car accident in 1986.
Sir Frank received support from SIA as he recovered and returned back to work, subsequently leading the team to achieving nine Formula One World Championship Constructors’ Titles.
His daughter, Claire Williams, became an ambassador for SIA in 2016 and worked alongside the team to support and help raise awareness of the charity.
Examples of the Williams team’s support include having the SIA logo on the car, the drivers giving their backing, as well as the donation of ‘money can’t buy’ items to support the charity’s fundraising efforts.
SIA supports spinal cord injured people and their families, friends and loved ones, in the immediate aftermath of injury, during their rehabilitation and at any time afterwards.
“The team owes the SIA a great debt of gratitude, and we look forward to supporting a great cause and combining our efforts to help the SIA raise awareness,” says Tim Hunt, commercial and marketing director for Williams Racing.
“The SIA is a charity that is dedicated to improving the lives of those that are spinal cord injured and who often find themselves in difficult circumstances.”
Nik Hartley, chief executive of SIA, says: “We are delighted to continue and further grow our relationship with Williams and will be cheering them on from the sidelines throughout the season.
“The very generous support they offer means so much to spinal cord injured people – with the funds raised helping many more paralysed people through coronavirus and beyond.
“Services such as expert counselling and support, advocacy and advice on issues such as getting the right care package, or moving back into work as well as our specialist nursing service are all vital right now to help people paralysed by spinal cord injury lead a fulfilled life.”
