Connor Rodney with Lewis Hamilton at the Ideas Store Whitechapel. Pic: Scope

Nicolas Hamilton, race driving brother of Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, met with a group of young disabled children from Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and other boroughs of London, to talk to them about their careers – and his.

Hamilton, who suffers from cerebal palsy, is the ambassador for the disability charity Scope who have begun to run their First Impressions, First Experiences pre-employment training courses. These courses aspire to teach those who are aged 16-24 everything from confidence building to developing important employability skills during this 26-week programme.

Due to his cerebal palsy, Hamilton races in a modified car. The car has a hand clutch and a larger brake pad. He has proved himself in the world of motorsport and his next career aim is to one-day race in the Deutschen Tourenwagen Masters.

During his visit to the 12 children who are currently enrolled on the course, Hamilton, 22, said: “ Some days are tougher than others, but you have to keep that determination to push yourself onto the next challenge. I’m proud to work with an organisation like Scope that helps people do this.”

Connor Rodney, 18, one of the people who met Hamilton at the Whitechapel Ideas Store, said: “I’m a huge sports fan and it was the best day I’ve had all year.  The fact he has done so well in his career and is the first disabled person in motorsport is extraordinary. It’s shown me that that no matter what your disability you can achieve in life – he’s a perfect role model.”

The course leader, Guy Chaudoir, said that the course is about supporting people  to reach their career goals, and making sure the young disabled talent we have here in London doesn’t go to waste.