Spinal Injuries Association to continue as Official Charity of Williams Racing

Williams Racing is pleased to announce that Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) which provides information, advice and support to the 50,000 people living with spinal injury in the UK, will continue to be the Official Charity of the Team.

SIA is the leading charity supporting spinal cord injured people and their families, friends and loved ones, in the immediate aftermath of injury, during their rehabilitation and at any time afterwards. They provide the hope, confidence and practical skills people need to rebuild their lives, return home and lead a full and active life.  

The Spinal Injuries Association became the team’s Official Charity back in 2015, with Claire Williams becoming an ambassador for SIA in 2016 and the team working to support and help raise awareness of the charity. However, Williams Racing and SIA have had a long association before this starting when Sir Frank Williams became spinal cord injured following a car accident in 1986. Sir Frank received support from SIA as he recuperated and returned back to work, subsequently leading the team to achieving nine Formula One World Championship Constructors’ Titles.

Williams will be supporting Spinal Injuries Association throughout the forthcoming season, raising the profile of the charity and the lives of spinal cord injured people. Examples of this include having the SIA logo on the car, the drivers lending their support as well as the donation of “money can’t buy” items to support the charity’s fundraising efforts.  

Tim Hunt, Commercial and Marketing Director for Williams Racing said: “We are delighted to continue to lend our support to the Spinal Injuries Association. The SIA is a charity that is dedicated to improving the lives of those that are spinal cord injured and who often find themselves in difficult circumstances. The team owes the SIA a great debt of gratitude, and we look forward to supporting a great cause and combining our efforts to help the SIA raise awareness.”

Nik Hartley OBE, Chief Executive of Spinal Injuries Association, said. “We are delighted to continue and further grow our relationship with Williams and will be cheering them on from the sidelines throughout the season. The very generous support they offer means so much to spinal cord injured people – with the funds raised helping many more paralysed people through coronavirus and beyond. Services such as expert counselling and support, advocacy and advice on issues such as getting the right care package, or moving back into work as well as our specialist nursing service are all vital right now to help people paralysed by spinal cord injury lead a fulfilled life. Thank you Williams!”