Lewis Hamilton raises £4,000 for charity thanks to Bottesford snapper

A charity supporting local young people has been given a huge cash boost, thanks in part to the generosity of Bottesford resident, photographer Steve Etherington.

Award-winner Steve, who is Lewis Hamilton’s official photographer, very kindly donated a unique, signed, framed photo of the F1 star, taken after his British Grand Prix win at Silverstone in July 2019.

This one-of-a-kind picture – worth an estimated £950 – became top prize in the Travers Foundation Christmas raffle, which then raised a whopping £4000 from ticket sales and donations.

The Travers Foundation supports young people living in Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire with funding to help them achieve their full potential in sports, the creative and performing arts.

Steve said: “Lewis will be delighted to hear that this unique, autographed photo has raised so much money for charity and has gone to a good home.”

Talking of good homes, the lucky prize winner is Reg Stead, originally from the Leicestershire area, but now living in Claypool, Lincolnshire.

Reg has recently recovered from major surgery and is a huge fan of F1, and Lewis Hamilton in particular.  Reg said:

“I’m delighted to have won this one-of-a-kind picture of Lewis Hamilton – this will take pride of place on the wall of my new extension for everyone to admire!”

Steve’s unique picture did a tour of the local area to drum up interest in the raffle, and was seen in many pubs and restaurants who kindly sold tickets.

Reg’s winning ticket was bought at Paul’s Restaurant and Wine Lounge in Bottesford, where Chef Patron Paul Reisenbuchler said:

“We were delighted to be able to display this fantastic picture at Paul’s Restaurant, sell tickets and support the Travers Foundation charity.”

Fittingly, Reg returned to Paul’s Restaurant to collect his prize, and to meet Terry Forsey, Chairman of The Travers Foundation.  Terry added:

“It was fantastic to meet Reg and Steve, and to hand over the winning picture which I know Reg is going to treasure.

“We are very grateful to everybody who has bought tickets and supported us.  We are delighted with the increase in interest in The Travers Foundation in the North Leicestershire area, where we have been working hard to raise our profile and create interest in what we do and what we can offer local young people.”

For further information on the work of the Travers Foundation please visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk