DRIVEN Formula One engineer Rob Smedley is helping Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice raise money by hosting a second charity dinner.

The gala event at Wynyard Hall Hotel, Wynyard, will include an auction featuring motor racing themed memorabilia on August 1.

Mr Smedley, Head of Performance Engineering for Williams Martini Racing has been a patron of Zoe’s Place in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, for four years with his wife, Lucy.

Based in a former convent, it provides free 24 hour respite care for children under six living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Mr Smedley said: “We initially got involved with Zoë’s Place after finding out that it was a struggling charity doing amazing work for poorly babies and children.

“The hospice is based in the town where I grew up, and Lucy and I decided to see if we could help them. It was their idea to start doing charity dinners and the last event in 2011 was a huge success so we felt it was the right time to host another one and help raise awareness of their amazing work.”

Mark Guidery, Chief Executive of Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, Middlesbrough, added: “For Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice to have the support of Rob and Lucy Smedley and the Williams team to host this very prestigious event is very special indeed. The funds raised and awareness created will be of enormous benefit to the work of our nursing team in their care of the small children who visit the hospice each day.”

For more information or to book tickets which £130 each or £150 to be near the stage contact Elaine Dunning, Corporate Fundraiser, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice on 07584-324460 or email: elaine@zoes-place.org.uk