A Formula One outfit has surpassed its fundraising objective for a children’s hospice.

The Brackley-based Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team collected £105,809.98 for Helen & Douglas House in Oxfordshire, reaching and beating its initial £100,000 target a complete year ahead of plan.

The contributions will fund 22 stays lasting 72 hours each at the hospice, providing support for children facing life-limiting conditions alongside their families.

Rob Thomas, chief operating officer at Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, expressed enthusiasm about colleagues uniting over the past twelve months in support of the local children’s hospice. He noted that collective effort drives everything the organisation undertakes, both in competition and beyond. He stated that charitable work represents a tremendous source of pride for the team and forms an integral component of their ethos, with immense satisfaction in having achieved and surpassed the fundraising milestone twelve months ahead of schedule. He added that understanding how the contributions would assist children under the hospice’s care proves profoundly touching.

Mr Thomas further commented that the team holds the hospice’s efforts in high regard for enabling families to maximise every precious moment together, and remains committed to gathering additional funds for this remarkable organisation in the months ahead.

Located in Oxford, Helen & Douglas House delivers specialist care for children with life-shortening conditions throughout Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.

Following this achievement, the team has increased its goal to £150,000, with intentions to accomplish this by December 2026.

David Whittingham, chief executive of Helen & Douglas House, attended the team’s Brackley facilities on March 11 to personally convey appreciation to employees.

Mr Whittingham expressed gratitude to every team member who contributed to raising over £100,000 twelve months ahead of target, as well as those who will continue fundraising for the charity this year. He described the hospice as a unique establishment where local families can optimise their time together, forming treasured recollections during their children’s lives.

The team’s fundraising originated from activities including skydiving, running events, trekking expeditions, and a charitable football fixture against Aston Martin, which alone generated more than £5,000.

Helen & Douglas House provides care for over 580 children, siblings and parents annually.

The organisation depends entirely on donations to sustain its operations, requiring more than £6 million each year.

Those wishing to support the charity can access hdh.org.uk to make contributions or contact corporate@helenanddouglas.org.uk regarding corporate partnership opportunities.