Eight-year-old Nathan Ampofo-Anim got more than he could have ever dreamed of while in Abu Dhabi for a Formula 1® trip-of-a-lifetime
when he met his racing driver hero Lewis Hamilton, courtesy of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), Etihad Airways, Yas Marina Circuit and Starlight Children’s Foundation.
A young motorsport fanatic, Nathan who has sickle cell anaemia, an incurable and debilitating hereditary blood disorder, was referred for a wish to Starlight Children’s Foundation, a UK-based charity that grants once-in-a-lifetime wishes for seriously and terminally ill children. Nathan wished to go to the 2016 FORMULA ONE ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX at Yas Marina Circuit to watch the title-deciding race.
“I was already really excited to be in Abu Dhabi for the race weekend, but being invited into the Mercedes garage and meeting Lewis Hamiltion today was the best day of my life. He is my hero and I hope I will be a successful driver like him one day,” said Nathan.
Staying at the heart of the action on Yas Island for the F1® weekend, Nathan travelled to Abu Dhabi with his parents and five year-old brother thanks to Etihad Airways and also spent time sampling a traditional Arabian heritage experience at Yas Marina Circuit in addition to enjoying the After-Race concerts. Nathan and his family also visited Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld.
