WILLIAMS F1 at Grove has chosen the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) as its official charity, in honour of its founder.

The SIA supports people affected by spinal cord injury by advising, educating and campaigning on their behalf.

Team principal Sir Frank Williams was left tetraplegic by a spinal cord injury in a car accident in 1986 and received support from the charity.

He went on to lead the Williams team to 12 Formula One World Championship titles.

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Sir Frank’s daughter Claire, Williams deputy team principal, is now a member of the SIA annual awards committee.

Sir Frank said: “My family and I have had close direct contact with the amazing work that the SIA do to help those with a spinal cord injury and the charity has always been close to the hearts of those at Williams.

“We are now formalising our relationship and using my own experiences to help spread the word that with the right support you can lead a fulfilling life after injury.”

Established in 1974 by Baroness Masham, the charity says its vision is “for all spinal cord-injured people to receive the specialist treatment, care, rehabilitation and support they need to be fully integrated and empowered participants in society”.

Chairman Michelle Howard said: “We are absolutely delighted to become Williams’ official charity partner.

“Sir Frank and Claire Williams have always been such wonderful ambassadors for the work that we do.

“Our partnership will help to raise the profile of the work we do to provide support to spinal cord injured people from the moment a spinal cord injury happens, and for the rest of their life.”