Grant Rees

Just before my fourth birthday I was diagnosed with retinoblastoma in my left eye.

I was treated at St Bartholomew's hospital, London, where I received chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I was in and out of hospital for months and resulted in me losing sight in my left eye.

When I was five, I drove my Mum's automatic Mini round Pembrey Race Circuit and raised money for retinoblastoma.

At 12 I started to compete in Autograss racing locally. I started to do well and my Dad took me to some National events, where I competed in several British rounds, with my cars always carrying the Retinoblastoma Society logo.

In 2001, my family and I travelled to Sleaford, Lincolnshire to compete in the Junior National Championships, where I became the youngest ever champion at 13 years of age, which still hasn't been beaten today.

I did try to compete in Go-Kart Racing, but because of the sight in one eye, they wouldn't give me a licence.

In 2002 I was invited to launch a new Junior form of Rallycross in Lydden Hill, Kent. But once again I had trouble getting a MSA licence, after many letters and telephone conversations, proving my worth as a driver, they finally agreed to let me have a restricted licence.

In 2003 I competed in the Junior British Rallycross Championship, where I became the first ever champion, winning seven out of the ten events and finishing second in the other three. Once again I fought for a licence upgrade to allow me to drive in national adult events.

At 16 I then went into the adult world of Rallycross, where I contended the Stockhatch series, at the end of 2004 I finished fourth out of 30 competitors, ending my season with a win at Brands Hatch.

Then I started Forrest Rallying, hoping to achieve some of the success I had in Rallycross.

I also have a standard road driving licence.

I feel that if I can give hope to any families out there in the same situation as my family and I were in when I was younger, it could help.