At the Countess of Chester Hospital children can now drive themselves for operations, tests and investigations thanks to the generosity of Tesla Owners UK. The hospital has been given a Radio Flyer mini Tesla Model S that will help to alleviate anxiety in children.
Members of the Tesla Owners UK group came up with the idea of donating their Radio Flyer Mini Tesla Model S cars to local hospitals for children to use when attending theatre. The car features a “Frunk” for children to carry a teddy and aux cable so they can connect a music playing device to listen to their favourite song on the way. The idea has since been supported by Tesla with founder and CEO Elon Musk backing the idea offering to match owner’s donations.
Anne Martyn, Matron for Children’s services, said “For a child, heading to theatre can be a daunting journey but now we will use the car so they can drive themselves in the hope of reducing stress and making it a more enjoyable experience. Going to an operating theatre is an experience that can stay with people for the rest of their life but we’re hoping that we can now make that a happy memory.”
Alex and James, sons of Tesla Owner Tim who kindly donated their mini Model S said; "Our dad told us about how the Tesla owners club were donating their mini tesla cars. We saw how the hospitals were using them and the difference they made to the children – we knew it was the right thing to do to donate our car to help poorly children feel better as they go for an operation.”
Deryn Harvey, Mini Tesla Coordinator at the Tesla Owners Group UK, said: “The car is sure to bring joy and alleviate anxiety in young children in hospital. This mini-Tesla is one of 500 we have placed across the country thanks to our members’ donations.”
You can watch the Countess’ mini Tesla in action below