Pole position for Leighton lad

Seven-year-old GOSH patient Harley Elliott (left) with his racing hero Jolyon Palmer

A seven-year-old Leighton lad was in pole position for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Harley Elliott from the Clarence Road area was Bernie Ecclestone’s VIP guest.

The Mary Bassett Lower School pupil and his family joined a small group of Great Ormond Street Hospital patients who are fanatical about racing for this once-in-a-lifetime experience organised by the GOSH Children’s Charity.

Harley was born with a congenital heart defect called truncus arteriosus. He was admitted to the world- renowned hospital as a baby for open heart surgery and has since had further operations.

During his day at Silverstone, he watched the practice sessions and had an exclusive tour of the paddock where he met some racing champions, including Jolyon Palmer.

Dad John said: “We had a fantastic day. Harley was so excited to see what happens behind the scenes and meet some of his Formula One heroes.”

> To learn more about the charity and to donate visit www.gosh.org