Around the World Road Rally is raising money for sick children’s charity

A dedicated uncle and his colleague raised hundreds of pounds after taking part in an around-the-world road rally for The Sick Children's Trust - a charity that supported his family when his niece, Emilia, was seriously ill in hospital.

Stan Smith and his friend Sebastian Comberbach embraced the Ricardo 100 Global Challenge and used it as an opportunity to raise money for two vital services in London - The Sick Children's Trust and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The duo were joined by six colleagues as they completed the final leg of the rally for the company, driving from Bedford Square in London to Ricardo's technical centre in Shoreham. To complete the rally, the team drove in two vintage cars, a McLaren supercar and a brand new development car from Jaguar. They were inspired to use this event to raise money for The Sick Children's Trust after Stan and his family were supported practically and emotionally by the charity when his niece, Emilia, was being treated at GOSH.

Stan's niece spent six months in hospital where she underwent numerous operations. During this time the family stayed at Guilford Street House, a 'Home from Home' provided by the charity.

The Sick Children's Trust has ten 'Homes from Home' based at major paediatric hospitals across the UK which allows the families of sick children to go back to a comfy bed, a hot shower, and clean communal areas after long days spent on the ward. Guilford Street House is located just a five minute walk away from Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Stan says: "I have a four year old nephew, Jack, and Guilford Street House was especially important in allowing him to have a more normal family life whilst his sister was staying in the hospital. We spent Christmas day at Guilford Street House which meant that Jack got to spend the day with his mum. He was really excited when he received a big sack of presents at the house – it made his Christmas.

"The Sick Children's Trust were unbelievably helpful to our family during this time. Staying in Guilford Street House made what was a horrendous situation, much more bearable and we just want to raise as much money as possible to help this great cause."

Tina Thake, House Manager at Guilford Street House says: 'We're thrilled that Stan has thought of us for this challenge and we had great fun greeting the team in their cars when they stopped by the house to say hello and drop off some presents. The Sick Children's Trust is funded entirely by donations so the fact that Ricardo has matched it is fantastic. It's great to hear that Emilia is now at home with her family and that we were able to help during this difficult time in their lives.

To support Stan and the team visit their just giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/Seb-Stan-Ricardo100/