Tickets are now on sale for the Grand Prix Dinner with Rob Smedley on Saturday 1 August 2015 at Wynyard Hall in aid of Zoe’s Place Children’s Hospice.
Rob, who was awarded a Doctor of Professional Studies by the University in 2009, is Head of Vehicle Performance at the Williams Martini Formula One team.
Originally from Normanby, Rob has enjoyed a hugely successful career in Formula One. He began his career at Peugeot and before joining Williams was Felipe Massa’s race engineer at Ferrari.
Rob and his wife, Lucy, became involved with raising money for children’s charities after their first child passed away shortly after birth in 2007.
They became patrons of Zoe’s Place, which is based in Rob’s hometown, in 2011. Zoe’s Place, which also has hospices in Coventry and Liverpool, offers palliative, respite and end of life care, free of charge, for babies and infants up to five years old who have life limiting or life threatening conditions.
Rob said: 'We really wanted to support Zoe’s Place as they are based in my hometown of Normanby and do fantastic work for the babies and their families.
'The Sportsman’s Dinner promises to be a really fun evening. We held a similar event in 2011, which was a real success and we hope that lots of people can come along and help us raise vital funds for this extremely worthy cause.'
Lucy added: 'Zoe’s Place is such a deserving charity. I often go there with my own children and it’s such a warm and welcoming environment. “It’s not a sad place at all, it’s extremely friendly and happy and provides real stimulation for the babies.
'The work that they do is incredible and it’s vital that we support them.'
The black tie event will be held in the Grand Marquee at Wynyard Hall with reception drinks on arrival.
There will be a three course meal with Rob as guest speaker, as well as a charity auction containing several extremely rare items of Formula One memorabilia.
There are a limited number of ‘pole position’ (front row) tables at £85 per person (full table booking only), plus ‘grid position’ tickets, available individually at £65 per person.
Another way to support this event and Zoe’s Place would be volunteer at the event. If you have a special skill you feel the event could benefit from, for example some form of entertainment, and you would be happy to give up your time in return for supporting Zoe's Place then please get in touch.
To book tickets or for more information about volunteering call 01642-457985.