Formula 1 racing driver Sebastian Vettel visits Stoke Mandeville Hospital

Date: 28/09/2022 | Category: News 2022

The Trust welcomed Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel to the National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC) last week to visit patients and staff on our children and young people’s ward and to learn more about innovative therapies in our Upper Limb Studio.

Sebastian was keen to meet and talk to patients about their spinal cord injuries and to learn how the work of the NSIC team supports their rehabilitation and helps them prepare them for life back in the community.

The upper limb studio, which opened in May 2021, provides a form of therapy known as Activity Based Restorative Therapy (ABRT). ABRT involves the use of equipment to facilitate repetitive movement to improve a patient’s level of independence following spinal cord injury, having a beneficial impact on their ability to perform functional tasks such as feeding, drinking, return to driving, carrying out aspects of personal care, and returning to work.

While at the hospital, Sebastian also visited Horatio’s Garden where he met Founder & Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple and discussed the importance of having access to a serene and beautiful garden area for patients and their families.  The F1 star also spent time autographing Aston Martin baseball caps and posing for selfies.

Following the visit, Ruth Peachment, Occupational Therapy Clinical Specialist (NSIC) said: “Sebastian’s visit gave a real boost to our patients and colleagues, those who met him are absolutely buzzing.”

Watch a video on Twitter posted by the Aston Martin F1 team about Sebastian’s visit.

Sebastian Vettel, in the NSIC Upper Limb Studio

Sebastian Vettel, in the NSIC Upper Limb Studio

Sebastian Vettel, with members of the NSIC Occupational Therapy team

Sebastian Vettel, with members of the NSIC Occupational Therapy team

Sebastian Vettel in Horatio's Garden with NSIC patient, Michael

Sebastian Vettel in Horatio’s Garden with NSIC patient, Michael