Ipswich racing driver backs local children's hospice

Why it matters: The Treehouse, on the doorstep of Lydia Walmsley's home, currently supports around 190 children, young people and family members across the Ipswich area. EACH relies on voluntary donations for the vast majority of its income and needs to raise £8m from donations and fundraising this year – making community backing like Lydia's all the more vital.

The details: Lydia, who races for Clean Racing in the Porsche Sprint Challenge RS category, is carrying the EACH logo on her car and has a series of fundraising activities planned, including a skydive. Her 2026 car features a light blue and purple livery with orange accents – colours that closely mirror those associated with the charity.

"I drive past The Treehouse every day, so when it came to choosing a charity to support, my first thought was EACH," she said.

"When I think about the work it does, it puts everything in perspective, and I can't think of a better cause to support than a children's hospice. Anything I can do to raise funds and awareness and support its extraordinary work will be a pleasure."

On the track: Competing in the RS category for the first time, Lydia is racing a 500-horsepower Porsche GT4 RS and has already impressed, securing three top-ten finishes at Oulton Park in Cheshire during the second race weekend of the season.

Her motorsport journey began at the age of seven, progressing through karting before establishing herself as a highly talented driver.

"The speeds we reach are crazy, and I love the fact I've always represented a smaller team with a limited budget," she said. "It makes all our achievements feel more rewarding, and that sense of motivation spurs me on and drives my passion. I like proving people wrong."

What's next: Lydia is looking ahead to rounds seven, eight and nine of the Porsche Sprint Challenge, scheduled for 8 and 9 August at Knockhill in Fife, Scotland.

"I'd like top-five or top-six finishes, but, considering it's a new car, it's been a solid start and a good platform to build on," she said. "It's been a fantastic experience already, and I consider myself so lucky to do this – especially if I can use my racing to help shine a light on EACH. That would be a real honour and privilege."

For context: EACH has three hospices – The Treehouse in Ipswich, Milton in Cambridge and The Nook in Norwich. Over 700 children, young people and family members are currently receiving care and support from the charity across the region. EACH receives only 15% of its income from the government.

The bottom line: Lydia Walmsley is using her platform in motorsport to shine a spotlight on a charity at the heart of her community – and with a skydive, a growing social media following, and a season of racing still to come, her campaign for EACH is only just getting started.

To find out more about EACH or to support their work, visit each.org.uk or call 01223 800800.

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