Formula One loving care home resident visited by driver

Joy raced against former racing driver Mike Wilds using a Formula One-themed Scalextric set.

Mike is a British racing driver who participated in eight Formula One world championship Grand Prix - debuting on July 20, 1974.

The visit at Fern Brook Lodge in Gillingham  was organised in response to Joy’s special wish which was to meet a racing driver as she has watched the Formula One on TV for many years.

Joy was also treated to a close-up look at Mike's personalised racing suit and helmet.

Joy, pictured with Natasha Wilkins, Activities Lead, and Mike Wilds (Image: Care South)

Mike told Joy about his favourite race, 24 Hours of Le Mans, revealing that it was his favourite due to a 3.7-mile section of the track called the Mulsanne Straight which enables cars to pick up speed.

Joy said: “It was a great pleasure to meet Mike. I never expected this to happen. I just couldn’t believe it. I don’t think I’m ready to race him in a real car just yet.”

The care home resident also looked at pictures of some of the 150 different cars Mike has driven during his 59-year racing career.

Mike said: “It was an honour to be invited to meet Joy who asked me lots of questions about my favourite races and what it’s like to sit in a Formula One car. I am glad that I could help to make her special wish happen and have already agreed to come back to the care home soon to give a talk to the other residents.”

Deb Wiltshire, Home Manager at Fern Brook Lodge, said: “We were thrilled to make Joy’s wish come true by Mike coming to talk to Joy about his racing career, which she absolutely loved. It was very entertaining to see Joy racing Mike on the Scalextric.

Mike will be returning to the care home on Wednesday, July 10 to give a talk.

The talk is open to everyone and to reserve a place call Fern Brook Lodge care home on 01747 834020.