F1 glitz to bring cash boost for hospice

bike ride while a host of famous faces also backed the event, including F1 superstars Sebastian Vettel, Jos Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, David Coulthard and Valtteri Bottas.

Alan, 61, from Bradley, a roofer and general tradesman, spent some time in Kirkwood Hospice after being struck down by asbestosis, a lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to the toxic fibres used in asbestos.

He eventually contracted lung cancer and died last March. His family wanted to thank the hospice and raise awareness of its facilities and funding needs.

They have already raised more than £5,500 by completing the charity’s annual Midnight Memory Walk and have a charity auction event planned at Bradley Park Golf Club on Saturday.

Nick said: “Alan was diagnosed just before Christmas 2016 and passed away just before I left for the opening race in Australia in March.

“I wasn’t ready to grieve so I took him with me, hence the Sedgies world tour.

“I decided as I travel the world with F1 I would take a picture of him around the world with me and think of ways to raise money and indeed awareness of the fantastic Kirkwood Hospice.

“It went from there resulting in the bike ride last Sunday in Abu Dhabi.

“Alan was a popular guy and we all want to try and help Kirkwood.”

The cycling event, sponsored by Pirelli featured more than 100 riders split into 20 teams featuring the motorsports teams, the broadcasters and a team from F1 itself.

Each rider had to do two consecutive laps with Red Bull triumphing over Mercedes and Sky Sports coming in third.