Smedley to be guest speaker at children's hospice charity event

Smedley and his wife Lucy lost a baby daughter in 2007, and have both done what they can since then to help with fundraising projects.

As well as Smedley speaking at the special charity evening that will raise funds for Zoe's Place Baby Hospices, an F1 charity auction will take place.

Items secured so far include signed Felipe Massa overalls and a replica Giancarlo Fisichella helmet. Further lots will be added closer to the event.

Speaking about the event, Smedley said: "Zoe's Place Baby Hospice is such a wonderful charity. When I came across the charity, I was quite amazed and moved by the work that they do with their very special babies.

"They not only enrich the lives of these poorly children but also give immense support to their families. It really is a beautiful place and the nurses and staff are real life angels who need all the support they can get. This is a very small way of using Formula 1 as a platform to give something back."

Tables for the event, which takes place at the Beamish Hall Country House Hotel on September 2 and also features journalist Maurice Hamilton, are selling out fast.

Further details about ticket availability, or about how to offer items for the auction, are available from either Lucy Smedley or the Zoe's Place charity.