Patients at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH) are to receive a high-octane visit from the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team today, thanks to The Archie Foundation.
Aston Martin Aramco Young Development Driver and Formula 2 Championship Contender, Jak Crawford, will meet patients, families and staff today (Friday, November 7), complete with the team’s replica car in tow.
The visit to RACH is part of Aston Martin Aramco’s Make a Mark Tour, which previously saw the team visit hospitals in Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham, London and Bristol in 2024.
The appearance at RACH is the only Scottish stop on the tour and marks the team’s first visit to the North-east.
The Make a Mark initiative aims to spark joy and inspiration during what can be a challenging time for children and their families by giving them the unique experience of seeing an Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team replica car up close and meeting members of a professional motorsport team.
Kelly M. Anderson, head of fundraising at The Archie Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to welcome members of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team to the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital. Being a racing car driver is the dream job for many children, and this will be a memorable experience for many of our young patients and their families.
“This visit will create lasting memories and remind our patients that anything is possible. We are incredibly grateful to the Aston Martin Aramco team for taking the time to make a difference and helping put smiles on so many faces.”
Children who are unable to leave the wards won’t miss out, as the Aston Martin Aramco team will visit them in the hospital, giving them the chance to handle a real F1 steering wheel, try on genuine racing helmets and receive special gifts.
Debbie Wall, ESG Director at Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team said: “We’re thrilled to bring the excitement of Formula One to Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, giving patients, families, and staff the chance to see an Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team replica car up close and meet members of our driver squad.
“As a part of our Make A Mark strategy, giving back to the community is at the heart of our team’s values. We’re proud to be touring hospitals across the UK for a second time, creating unforgettable memories nationwide.”
Kathryn Auchnie, clinical nurse manager for paediatric services in NHS Grampian, added: “We absolutely welcome all of the fun and exciting opportunities The Archie Foundation supports for children and young people in our care at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital. Having a child in hospital can be a very difficult time for families and this visit from F1 will be a huge boost for children and all of those around them, including our nursing, medical, theatre, allied health professionals and support teams.”
The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team’s appearance marks the second occasion in recent weeks that the children’s hospital has welcomed major sporting figures, following a visit from Aberdeen Football Club players and the Scottish Cup trophy during September’s Scottish Cup Trophy Tour.
Visit www.archie.org/getsupport/ for more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation.
