Grapevine: Schumacher helps Smedley's charity

Smedley and his wife Lucy are raising money for the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS), who offered support to them after they lost their daughter Minnie last June.

The pair are putting on a charity evening at the Marton Country club in Middlesbrough on May 30 and have been overwhelmed by support within the F1 paddock since news of the evening was made public.

In particular, seven-time world champion Schumacher heard about the event and kindly agreed to donate a pair of his own race overalls for auction. This comes on top of a pair of race overalls worn by Smedley on the podium at last year's Chinese Grand Prix, with a signed photo to accompany it.

Honda Racing also contacted the Smedleys to see how they could help - and a Button-signed shirt and Barrichello-signed helmet are now also up for grabs.

Other prizes added to the roster are a set of Massa's overalls, passes for a Formula One test, plus a skiing holiday and the use of an executive box at Old Trafford for next season's Manchester United v Middlesbrough game.

Former BTCC champion Jason Plato has also kindly agreed to host the event on the night, with tickets for the evening selling out fast.

Further information about the party, including tickets details and contacts for those wishing to donate more prizes or sponsor the evening, can be found on www.minniesparty.co.uk.

Lucy Smedley said she was delighted at the interest the party had generated as she and Rob hope to raise both money for and interest in SANDS.

"The support we have received so far has been amazing and Rob and I find it so heart-warming that people have come out of the woodwork to support our event," she said. "We are so comforted by the fact that Minnie touched so many people's hearts."