King’s Kindness Helps Children at the Countess of Chester Hospital

May 20, 2019January 16, 2020 Mums&Dads 0 Comments charity, Macclesfield, The King’s School

King’s pupils, Alex and James Price, have kindly donated their mini Tesla Model S to the Countess of Chester Hospital, so that children can drive themselves for operations and investigations. The donation is part of a wider campaign that uses the generosity of Tesla Owners UK to equip hospitals with the Mini Tesla Model S to help to alleviate anxiety in children. The car features a ‘Frunk’ for children to carry a teddy and aux cable so they can connect a music playing device to listen to their favourite song on the way.

Members of the Tesla Owners UK group came up with the idea of donating their Mini Tesla cars to local hospitals. The idea has since been supported by Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk, who is offering to match owner’s donations. The boys will shortly donate the matched donation to Crewe Hospital, bringing the total of donated cars across the country to 500.

Alex and James’ father is a Tesla owner, and gave his sons the choice between keeping the mini car for themselves or participating in the hospital programme. Alex and James said: “Our dad told us about how the Tesla Owners club were donating their mini Tesla cars. We saw how the hospitals were using them and the difference they made to the children – we knew it was the right thing to do to donate our car to help poorly children as they go for an operation.”

Dad Tim Price, added: “Taking the car to Chester Hospital was a very humbling experience for all of us. A lot of staff were waiting as we pulled up and it’s now very clear how much this means to them and the children.”

Anne Martyn, Matron for Children’s services at The Countess of Chester, said: “For a child, heading to theatre can be a daunting journey but now we will use the car so they can drive themselves in the hope of reducing stress and making it a more enjoyable experience. Going to an operating theatre is an experience that can stay with people for the rest of their life but we’re hoping that we can now make that a happy memory.”

Mrs Cookson, Principal of King’s Infants & Juniors, said: “We all feel very proud of Alex and James. Gestures like these not only affect so many, but also demonstrate a real kindness and humanity – rich characteristics we value hugely at King’s.”

Click the link to view Alex and James handing over the car and more about the Countess’ mini Tesla in action – Alex and James handing over the car