Children from Hospice Helen & Douglas House Join Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for the 2026 British Grand Prix

On Thursday 2 July, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team invited three children supported by Helen & Douglas House children’s hospice to an unforgettable behind-the-scenes day at the 2026 British Grand Prix.

From an exclusive tour of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team garage to exploring the paddock and soaking up the race weekend atmosphere the families enjoyed a unique opportunity to experience life at the heart of Formula 1.

The day was made even more memorable with an exclusive meet-and-greet with drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, giving the children the chance to meet their Formula 1 heroes and creating memories to last a lifetime.

Helen & Douglas House is the Official Team Charity Partner of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for 2025 to 2027. Since the partnership began, the Brackley-based outfit has raised more than £120,000 for the charity. Through annual charity football matches, internal raffles, bucket collections at the Brackley Fireworks and individual team member efforts that include skydives, treks and running the London Marathon, the team is aiming to raise £200,000 by December 2027.

For Kayleigh Hiley from Northamptonshire, meeting current championship leader Kimi Antonelli and her racing hero George Russell was the highlight of the day, turning a lifelong dream into reality and creating a memory she and her family will never forget.

Rachel Kayleigh’s Mum says, “It was just the most fantastic experience, and truly a day that dreams are made of!”

“Anyone who knows our Kayleigh knows she has two great loves, Dolly Parton and George Russell. Some of her first words were ‘racing car’ and she has George Russell spoke guards on her wheelchair.”

“The last year has been challenging for Kayleigh and our family following complications from her surgery, but her love of F1 has kept Kayleigh smiling throughout her hospital stays. We decorated her room with George Russell posters and we would watch the races together.”

“Thank you so much to Kimi, George, everyone at Mercedes-AMG Petronas and Helen & Douglas House for giving us lovely memories to look back on.”

For more than 40 years, Helen & Douglas House has been helping children to live a full life, whether that life is long or short. The hospice provides vital care to terminally ill children across Oxfordshire and beyond, while giving families the space to create precious memories together.

Funds raised by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and other supporters contribute towards the £6 million needed each year to provide this vital care.

Sarah Robson from Helen & Douglas House says, “We would like to say a huge thank you to the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for creating this special day for the children and families we support. The team’s ongoing support is helping not only the families who attended the British Grand Prix, but countless other children and families who rely on Helen & Douglas House. We are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership.”

Imogen Tait from Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team says, “We were delighted to welcome Helen & Douglas House to our garage over the British Grand Prix weekend. Being able to share our world with the children supported by the hospice and create such a memorable experience for them was incredibly special. We are so proud to call Helen & Douglas House our charity partner, with our team having now raised more than £120,000 for the families cared for by the hospice.”

The Special Day at Silverstone

The visit by children from Helen & Douglas House to the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team garage created unforgettable memories for the young guests and their families. The behind-the-scenes experience included an exclusive tour of the garage and the opportunity to explore the paddock during the exciting British Grand Prix weekend.

The highlight for many was the meet-and-greet with drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. The children had the chance to meet their Formula 1 heroes and create lasting memories. The day provided a special escape and a positive experience for the children and their families during what can be challenging times.

The Partnership Between Mercedes and Helen & Douglas House

The partnership between Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and Helen & Douglas House as Official Team Charity Partner for 2025 to 2027 has been highly successful. The team has already raised more than £120,000 for the charity through various fundraising activities including charity football matches, raffles, and individual efforts such as skydives and marathons.

The team’s commitment to reaching £200,000 by December 2027 demonstrates their dedication to supporting the vital work of the hospice. The funds raised contribute to the £6 million needed each year to provide care for terminally ill children and their families. The partnership has created meaningful connections between the team and the families they support.

Kayleigh Hiley’s Special Day

For Kayleigh Hiley from Northamptonshire, the day was particularly special as she got to meet her racing hero George Russell and current championship leader Kimi Antonelli. The young girl’s love for Formula 1 and George Russell has been a source of joy during challenging times following complications from surgery.

Kayleigh’s mother Rachel described the day as a dream come true for her daughter. The family’s gratitude to the Mercedes team and Helen & Douglas House reflects the positive impact of the visit. The experience provided Kayleigh with cherished memories and a boost during her recovery.

The Vital Work of Helen & Douglas House

Helen & Douglas House has been providing vital care to terminally ill children and their families for more than 40 years. The hospice offers support to help children live full lives, whether long or short, and provides families with space to create precious memories together.

The charity’s work extends across Oxfordshire and beyond, making a significant difference in the lives of many families. The partnership with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has helped raise important funds and awareness for the hospice’s vital work. The support from the team has been crucial in helping the charity continue to provide high-quality care.

The Team’s Commitment to Charity

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s commitment to Helen & Douglas House reflects their broader dedication to making a positive impact beyond racing. The various fundraising activities organised by the team have shown their creativity and determination to support the charity’s important work.

The team’s efforts, including individual challenges like skydives and marathons, demonstrate the personal commitment of team members to the cause. The partnership has created meaningful connections and helped raise significant funds for the hospice. The team’s pride in their relationship with Helen & Douglas House is evident in their comments about the partnership.

The Emotional Impact on Families

The visit to the British Grand Prix has had a profound emotional impact on the families involved. The opportunity to experience the excitement of Formula 1 and meet the drivers has provided a positive and uplifting experience during challenging times. The memories created will be cherished by the families for years to come.

The support from the Mercedes team and the hospice has been crucial in making the day possible. The gratitude expressed by the families reflects the importance of such experiences in providing joy and normalcy for children and their loved ones. The partnership continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those supported by Helen & Douglas House.

Looking Ahead for the Partnership

As the partnership between Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and Helen & Douglas House continues, the focus remains on raising funds and awareness for the charity’s vital work. The team’s commitment to reaching their fundraising target by December 2027 shows their dedication to supporting the hospice.

The success of the partnership has created meaningful connections and positive experiences for the children and families involved. The coming years will provide more opportunities for collaboration and support as the team continues to back the important work of Helen & Douglas House.

The story of the partnership between the Mercedes F1 Team and Helen & Douglas House continues to inspire and highlight the positive impact of combining sport with charity work. The experiences provided to the children and families demonstrate the value of such partnerships in making a real difference in people’s lives. As the collaboration continues, the focus remains on supporting the hospice and creating more special moments for those they care for.