Downham Market youngster and Great Ormond Street patient Lucas gets behind the scenes Formula 1 Silverstone tour

Six year-old Lucas Harper from Downham Market was in pole position this weekend as Bernie Ecclestone’s VIP guest at the British F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Lucas and his family joined a small group of other Great Ormond Street patients who are fanatical about F1 racing for a once in a lifetime experience at one of the racing calendar’s most exciting events.

Lucas has been treated at the hospital since April this year, when he was diagnosed with a large mediastinal teratoma (tumour in his chest cavity). Lucas underwent surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

During the day at Silverstone, Lucas watched the practice sessions and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the F1 paddock.

The trip was organised for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity as part of its ongoing relationship with F1.

Lucas’ mum, Amy Harper said: “Today is a dream come true, it is the best day ever for Lucas as he is such a huge F1 fan and he is a F1 walking encyclopedia.”

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity needs to raise £90 million a year to help rebuild and refurbish Great Ormond Street Hospital, provide vital up-to-date equipment and fund research into better treatments for the children.

For more information or to donate visit www.gosh.org