A FAMILY from Tunbridge Wells has donated a mini Tesla Model S car to the local children’s ward.
Marcus Southerden presented the fully working toy to the paediatric and theatre teams at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury.
Young patients will use it to drive themselves to the operating theatre.
Mr Southerden was given the car after buying a full-sized Tesla. He said: ‘Although our own kids would really have enjoyed driving it, we loved the idea of donating the car to my local NHS hospital, so that children undergoing treatment are able to drive themselves to theatre and hopefully make it a less frightening experience for them.’
He added: ‘Our family experienced the brilliant care at Tunbridge Wells Hospital first-hand last year when our son was born there.
‘We hope the car brings lots of enjoyment and smiles to children on the ward, and also helps raise the profile of sustainable and clean electric vehicles in the borough.’
Laura Lewis, Lead Theatre Practitioner, said: ‘A huge thank you to the Southerden family for their generous donation.
‘Our young patients will be so excited to drive from the ward to theatre – it will really help to take their mind off what can be a very scary and daunting time.’
PICTURE: CORRIDORS OF POWER: Marcus Southerden with staff at the children’s ward
