Thanks to Benetton

Sir,

In these days of cynical media manipulation in sport this is a wonderfully refreshing opportunity to go public and thank a Formula One Team for an act of simple kindness. A lot of organisations immediately ask, “How can we benefit?” when faced with requests. In this case by giving some children with Epidermolysis Bullosa, time with Jean Alesi and the cars during practice for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Benetton team were simply generous of spirit.

Although it is a condition with over 300,000 sufferers (5000 in Britain), EB is not well known. The effects of EB, which unglues the skin, are not unlike first degree burns. The charity DEBRA works to care for sufferers and fund research to find treatments for a currently incurable condition.

Jean Alesi is the Patron of DEBRA France and we are very grateful for his time and efforts on our behalf. Benetton themselves are to be congratulated for giving some ill children a day they may never forget.

I am yours etc,

David Bendour-Samuel, DEBRA, Crowthorne, Berkshire