Car enthusiasts donate mini Tesla so youngsters can drive themselves to surgery

Young patients at the Royal Berkshire Hosptial can now travel to their surgery in style thanks to members of the UK Tesla Owners Club.

A large scale Tesla Model S for kids, worth more than £600, was handed over by car club member Nick Goldring who said: "I am delighted that we have been able to donate this fantastic children's version to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and hope that the patients who use it will get a s much enjoyment from it as we do driving the bigger version!"

Jamal Hamad (aged 7) was the first to taki it for a spin (watch the video here).

Jamal's father Yussuf said: "What a treat, Jamal was thrilled to have a drive of the car and I am sure it will add a fun and exciting element to children who are going for surgery. I know Jamal really enjoyed the experience and would definitely recommend it."

Matron Sue Timperley thanked Nick and wife Yvonne: "We are very grateful for this kind and generous donation. The car will provide children who are due to have surgery a fun distraction and a very cool way to get to surgery!  The car will provide those who are due to have surgery with a fun distraction.  Play like this can really help children relax and not feel so nervous about visiting us or going to theatre.  Thank you very much."

William Fealey, president of the Tesla Owners Group UK said: " The idea for this project began when owners started to donate their Tesla toy cars to hospitals and hospices across the country.

"These were cars that were gifted from Tesla to owners after they referred a friend to buy a Tesla car."

Mr Fealey added that he then started working with a children's charity, The Christian Blandford Fund, to widen the campaign.

He said: "I had personally pledged to fund 13 cars, but in typical fashion I refused to pay full price so after a Twitter exchange with Elon Musk his foundation sorted us out with a deal and her personally funded some of the cars as well.

"The majority of funds come directly from Tesla Owners in the UK, Elon helped get us a discounted rate and personally donated money towards the scheme, alongside RadioFlyer - who manufacturer the toy car.

"Tesla loved the scheme so much that they changed their referral scheme policy worldwide so anyone who didn't have the need for a toy car can automatically donate it to charity via the Tesla app."

24 December 2018