F1 Champion's brother inspires at Norwood event as charity raises £2 million

Norwood’s Annual Dinner on Wednesday evening brought together 600 supporters to celebrate the charity’s legacy of helping individuals with neurodiversity and disabilities.

The event raised £2 million to support Norwood’s vital services.

A key highlight of the evening was a powerful speech from Nicolas Hamilton, the first disabled driver to compete in the British Touring Car Championship and half-brother to Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton.

Born with cerebral palsy, Hamilton shared his remarkable journey of defying medical expectations to pursue his dream of racing, offering an inspiring message about overcoming adversity.

Reflecting on Norwood’s community-based services, Hamilton noted how the charity’s support allowed children and families to feel “at home” and part of their community – a feeling he missed during his own childhood. He also paid tribute to his mother, whose unwavering support helped him achieve his goals.

After hearing a moving testimony from Hannah Tobin, whose 12-year-old son Jacob has autism, Hamilton expressed his admiration for her strength. "Even though I am not Jacob, if Jacob were able to talk, he would say: ‘Thank you for absolutely everything you’ve done for me,’" he said, drawing applause from the audience.

Tobin, who spoke during the evening’s fundraising appeal, shared the challenges of raising a child with autism and the vital role of community support. “Navigating this path alone would be too much,” she said. “We rely on our family, friends, and the support from Norwood, which gives us the opportunity to recharge and focus on his younger siblings.”

The event also marked an exciting new chapter for Norwood, with the theme “Us and Our Future”, focusing on the charity’s plans to expand its services.

Naomi Dickson, Norwood’s chief executive, highlighted how the charity celebrated the strengths and abilities of neurodiverse members of its community, saying: “(Everyone) you will meet tonight or on any visit to a Norwood location plays such a vital role in creating the inclusive culture we strive to achieve at Norwood. Every individual is celebrated for their strengths and supported to achieve their ambitions, whatever challenges they may face along the way.” 

Miles Webber, chair of Norwood’s trustees, shared the charity’s strategy to meet the growing demand for services, especially as public funding becomes more constrained.

“Throughout Norwood’s 230-year history, we’ve adapted to the changing needs of the people we support,” Webber said. “We are ready to refresh our approach to better serve vulnerable children and families.”

The evening’s appeal highlighted a significant funding gap caused by increased national insurance contributions and minimum wage hikes, which are expected to add up to £2 million to Norwood’s annual costs.

Webber appealed for generous donations to help the charity meet its £12 million annual fundraising target.

The event, sponsored by The Lord Leonard and Lady Estelle Wolfson Foundation, concluded with a prayer for Israel by Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, followed by a stirring rendition of Hatikva, uniting all attendees in solidarity.