Fantasy F1 competition raises more than £5,000 for PPBF

More than 500 entrants battled it out for the top step of our podium and so have helped the running and maintenance of the charity’s three properties in Southampton, and in turn helped local families with sick children.

‘This money helps with everything going on at the PPBF, but mostly helps with keeping the flats and baby boxes,’ said Jo Priaulx.

‘Some people may only be there for a day or a night but then we have to go in and clean it, so it can be quite expensive each month. There’s families there at the moment and more going over next week. It’s constant.’

The charity has helped over 1,000 local families and provides security for families with children having treatment in Southampton.

Mrs Priaulx said that she would not let the flats go empty, and they were there for families who are struggling.

‘There’s a huge amount of overhead with a charity of that size, running the properties is the hardest bit, it’s £65,000 a year before you even start,’ said Andy Priaulx.

‘Buying equipment when we get asked by the hospital, helping families with their various challenges, some can’t afford to go and see their ill child in the UK.

'People just call it the Priaulx now, because it’s not just premature babies anymore, there’s cancer patients being treated there and our mission statement was also to help families in times of need.’

He added that the charity started off as a good cause that could be boosted with his motor racing profile, but had become one of the biggest charities in the island, with structures in place for it to continue forever.

‘These sorts of donations are really helpful, sometimes we have to work really hard to raise money, so donations like this give us such a boost,’ he said.

‘The team gets so excited when they come in.’

Mrs Priaulx said that the charity had become a purpose for her, particularly while Andy was away racing.

• The PPBF has an ongoing Buy a Night campaign. More information can be found here.