Grant ReesJust 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 twelve 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 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-Cart 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 sixteen 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 thirty competitors, ending my season with a win at Brands Hatch.This year I started my first year in Forrest Rallying, where I hope I can achieve some of the success I had in Rallycross. I also have a standard road driving license. Next month I will be eighteen and 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. |
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