We Had A Wish - Pole Position for wishes

2008 Formula One World Champion and McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton came in first for Make-A-Wish by helping the charity grant two magical wishes.

Daniel, aged eight and from Worksop, and 16 year old Liam from Tilbury in Essex, both live with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a disease which causes their muscles to waste and confines them to wheelchairs.

When Make-A-Wish heard that the two lads both love watching the Grand Prix and that Lewis is their favourite driver, we arranged for them to meet him in the flesh.

The boys and their families were transported to the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey by stretch limousine. Greeted by Make-A-Wish Trustee Jayne Watson, they were given a guided tour of the Centre and an inside look into the technical wizardry behind those podium finishes. They were even able to meet the race team as they worked on Lewis’s car for his next race in Barcelona.

Then Lewis himself was there and both lads were a bit tongue-tied. There was so much they wanted to ask him! Lewis soon made them feel at ease and the boys were in their element talking to their idol about his favourite subject, Formula 1.

Daniel’s mum Joanne said: “This has been an absolutely brilliant day – we cannot fault it. Daniel has had his dream come true and met his idol. We all loved it and we want to save now to take Daniel to see Lewis race next year at Silverstone.”

Liam said: ”This was the best day ever! I still can’t believe I actually met him, I met Lewis Hamilton! He was so nice and so interesting, thank you Lewis!”

Jayne from Make-A-Wish said: “We are delighted that Lewis was able to help us grant these special wishes. A wish can bring joy to a child or young person living with a life-threatening illness and by all accounts the lads didn’t stop smiling.”

Make-A-Wish was only able to grant this wish because of the generous support of people and companies around the UK. Please help us to grant more magical wishes by making a donation today