Nicky, Carley, Jack & Noah. Make a Wish Foundation

Nicky Hayden, motoGP champion, took time out from practice at the world championships on Saturday 21 June to meet a group of children from Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, the leading wishgranting charity which grants wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses. Each year Nicky invites a group of children to meet him and be his special guests at Donington Park motor racing circuit, Derby. This is Nicky’s fourth year meeting UK wish children and he is a huge supporter of the charity.

Among the group were Jack Padmore, five, and his brother Noah, four, from Willington, Derby. Both boys are both living with liver transplants; they were joined by Carley Gregory, 11, from Ashbourne, Derbyshire, who is living with Neurofibromatosis.

The children enjoyed VIP treatment from the off, arriving at Donington Park in a luxury limousine and enjoying non-alcoholic pink champagne and lollipops. On arrival they were taken to Nicky’s hospitality trailer where they were presented with a rucksack filled with goodies, including a T-shirt and cap.

The day continued with a lap around the track in the safety car for Noah and Jack, followed by lunch in Nicky’s hospitality trailer. The children even got the chance to watch some of the days exciting races. The children were then presented with more bags of treats before having their photograph taken with Nicky, who is currently ranked 8th in the world. The children were over the moon at the number of goodies they received. To top the day off Jack, Noah and Carley were presented with one final present to treasure; a massive signed and framed photo of Nicky, taken during a previous race.

Jack Padmore says: “We had a really amazing day! The safety car was all nice and comfy and went fast”

Carley Gregory says: “Today has been fantastic. I couldn’t have wished for anything more! I’ve been spoilt today.”

Natalie Martin-Loat – Regional Manager for Eastern England says: “The day was a great success and all of the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves, I would like to say a massive thank you to Nicky, his team and sponsors for allowing our children this opportunity and for taking the time to come and meet them and give them lots of goodies.”

For information visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk