THE charity of Formula 1 race ace Lewis Hamilton - who was born and raised in Stevenage - has made a substantial donation to Keech Hospice Care s children s service. The undisclosed amount from The Lewis Hamilton Foundation was raised at the annual Fest

THE charity of Formula 1 race ace Lewis Hamilton - who was born and raised in Stevenage - has made "a substantial donation" to Keech Hospice Care's children's service.

The undisclosed amount from The Lewis Hamilton Foundation was raised at the annual Festival of Speed at Goodwood last year.

It will be used to directly support the Tots and Toys group - an initiative for parents and their children under five with life-limiting conditions. The group provides stimulating activities such as music therapy, baby massage, and arts and crafts.

Hamilton said: "Helping Keech is particularly close to my heart as it's located very close to where I grew up in Stevenage, and it has really brought home to me the work and efforts of everybody involved.

"I've met many children whose spirit and optimism in the face of overwhelming difficulties has been truly humbling and inspirational to me.

"Through the work of The Lewis Hamilton Foundation I'm able to achieve far more than I ever could as an individual, and I'm really proud of the help we've been able to provide here."

Jennie Collier, Tots and Toys organiser, said: "We are over the moon that The Lewis Hamilton Foundation has chosen to secure and improve the future of Tots and Toys at Keech.

"We are forever thinking up new activities to help the children play, learn and interact as they often struggle to do these things because of their varying conditions.

"This money will help us give them so many wonderful opportunities - it's such a gift!"

For more information about The Lewis Hamilton Foundation, visit www.lewishamilton.com/charity

For more information about Keech Hospice Care, visit www.keech.org.uk