Donations flood in to fundraiser after Brands Hatch marshal fatality
A Justgiving fundraising page has been set up by W Series contender Alice Powell following the death of a marshal at Brands Hatch
Tributes and donations continue to flood in for the marshal that died at Brands Hatch over the weekend
@Brands_Hatch
Thousands of pounds have been donated to a Justgiving fundraising page following the death of a marshal this past weekend at Brands Hatch.
W Series contender Alice Powell launched the fundraiser, aimed at generating funds for the family and friends of the volunteer who lost their life following a crash in a Touring Car race. The appeal has already hit its £10,000 target and tributes and donations continue to pour in.
During the race, drivers collided on the main straight and one was sent into the barriers before becoming airborne and connecting with a marshals post.
“Marshals play a huge role in Motorsport. Without them, Motorsport cannot happen,” Powell wrote on the fundraising page.
“Marshals are a vital part of the Motorsport family. Unfortunately, on Saturday the 31st July, there was an incident at Brands Hatch where a marshal sadly passed away.
“This page is to raise money for the family and friends affect by this incident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.”
Racing at Brands was suspended for the remainder of the Saturday following the accident.
Just touched down in the UK to see that the JustGiving page has already exceeded the target 🧡 Incredible, but let's keep going 🧡 Rest in peace Rob 🧡 #motorsportfamily https://t.co/jLoylXmNB7
— Alice Powell (@alicepowell) August 1, 2021
Powell, who was in action at the Hungaroring over the weekend and finished second to keep her title hopes going, set up the page and said she hopes that funding continues beyond the target figure.
Formula 1 teams and drivers paid tribute to the marshal and volunteers around the world over the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend that enable motor sport to take place.
World champion Lewis Hamilton said he was “devastated” to hear of the passing of the marshal, while George Russell paid tribute to the marshals before offering his condolences.
“So saddened to hear that a volunteer marshal lost their life at Brands Hatch yesterday,” the Williams driver said.
“These men and women give up their time to allow us to do what we love. We couldn’t do it without them. My thoughts are with their family, friends and fellow marshals today. Rest in peace.”
A British Automobile Racing Club statement said that local police and the national governing body, Motorsport UK, was involved in the investigation into the accident and fatality.
“The British Automobile Racing Club is saddened to confirm that as a result of an accident that occurred during a race meeting at Brands Hatch circuit today (Saturday 31 July), a volunteer marshal tragically lost their life. The rest of the day’s racing activity was cancelled.
“As with any major incident, the BARC is now working with the national governing body, Motorsport UK, and the local police.
“On behalf of everyone connected with the BARC, we are devastated by loss of one of the amazing volunteer marshal community who do so much to enable the sport to take place. Our thoughts and best wishes are with the family and friends of all those involved.”
Currently, the fundraiser has accumulated over £14,000 as donations continue to flood in.