Mercedes send F1 car to terminally ill boy who inspired Lewis Hamilton

Published: May 13 2019 | 13:30

Last updated: May 13 2019 | 20:54

Mercedes send F1 car to terminally ill boy who inspired Hamilton

Five-year-old Harry Shaw has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Mercedes have sent their Formula One car to the home of a terminally ill boy who Lewis Hamilton said inspired him to victory in Spain.

Moments after he recaptured the lead of the championship from Valtteri Bottas following his fine victory at the Circuit de Catalunya, an emotional Hamilton dedicated his triumph to Harry Shaw – a five-year-old who has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Hamilton had been alerted to Harry’s tragic plight ahead of Sunday’s race after Mercedes showed him a video of support sent in by the youngster from his hospital bed.

Harry has since been transferred to his Surrey home for his final days.

And, in a touching gesture by the sport’s world champions, they have flown in a Mercedes F1 car to Harry’s house.

Harry was also presented with Hamilton’s winning trophy from Sunday’s Barcelona race.

Ahead of Sunday’s race, Hamilton posted a heartbreaking 17-second video to his Instagram account which he had received from Harry.

Harry Shaw holds the trophy that Lewis Hamilton won at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Wearing a Mercedes cap, and lying next to a signed Hamilton picture in his hospital bed, Harry says: “Hello Lewis Hamilton. Good luck winning the race in Spain and thank you for all of the gifts. Lots of love from Harry and goodbye.”

Hamilton, his voice croaking, said: “Today, I was just super-inspired by this kid that sent me a message.

“He was my spirit angel.”

View this post on Instagram

Harry, you don’t know how much this message means to me buddy. Thank you so much, you are my inspiration today Harry. I will try to make you proud. You are such a strong boy, I wish I was as strong as you, I wanted the world to see how strong you are and ask everyone to send their best wishes and prayers to you during this hard time. Sending you love Harry. God bless you. Your friend, Lewis #keepfighting #nevergiveup #wewinandwelosetogether

A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on May 12, 2019 at 2:59am PDT

Harry’s parents, Charlotte and James, have set up a charity page to raise money for research into the disease – Ewing’s sarcoma.

They have so far raised more than £15,000.

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