British Racing Greats raises £100,000 for Solving Kids’ Cancer UK and SpecialEffect
Last month, games industry charity SpecialEffect and Solving Kids’ Cancer UK came together as the charity beneficiaries of a new fundraising and awareness event called British Racing Greats which took place at the famous Donington Park Circuit.
Racing studios and games companies across the UK were in attendance, including Sumo Group, Playground Games, Electronic Arts, Sega, Codemasters, Lucid Games, NaturalMotion, Hutch, Escape Technology, Stainless Games, Criterion, Motorsport Games and many more. Every significant racing franchise developed in the UK over the last 30 years was celebrated and represented.
British Racing Greats was hosted by Jodie Kidd and Ben Collins (aka The Stig) and they each were generous with their time meeting guests, including some of the families who are supported by Solving Kids’ Cancer UK.
“Being a car fanatic who goes to many shows each year, my family was invited to British Racing Greats by Solving Kids’ Cancer UK. Our daughter, Gracie, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in March 2023 so we took her along and she loved it! She was watching all the cars and playing on the games. It really was a nice event and was for two great charities.
Most shows I attend are just busy events but this one felt personalised; everyone was so friendly and there were some amazing cars in attendance.
Well done to everyone who organised such a wonderful event.”
Stephen Tudor (Dad to Gracie, recently diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma)
Each of the pit-lane garages were adorned with memorabilia, merchandise and real-world cars from the greatest racing games ever made. Racing game-inspired cars took to the Donington track for parades and demonstrations throughout the day. There was also time dedicated for guests and sponsors to drive their own cars on track, passenger laps were offered by celebrity drivers and manufacturers had their latest supercars on display and available to test drive on track.
The event was a huge success, raising £100,000 (which was 100% of original fundraising goal) for SpecialEffect and Solving Kids' Cancer UK.
Solving Kids' Cancer UK would like to extend its warm thanks to the sponsors of the event as well as Carl Cavers, Darren Mills, Chris Lee, Aimee Johnson and Adam Thorby at Super Car Driver, Tom Hartley, Ben Collins, Jodi Kidd and Special Effect. This event would not have been possible without you.
“Firstly, I would like to say a massive thank you to Solving Kids’ Cancer UK for giving us the opportunity to join. The highlight of the day was standing back and watching what a massive impact you guys make on people. Raising the awareness and profile of the charity was so heartwarming to see.
It was lovely to see my beautiful brother’s legacy remains much at the forefront of that drive. That still gives me goosebumps and will do forever.
Its so beautiful to continue to be part of an extended family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to you all.”
Claire Riley (sister to Luke - forever 23)