Born: 11th October 1997
Living: Stalybridge Greater Manchester & Silverstone
Currently: Driver coaching and racing
Racing History: Karting, Formula Ford, FIA F4, GT4
Both of Matthew’s grandfathers, Bryan and Harry, were involved in the motor industry and his father, Ian, has always had an interest in cars and engineering, so it seemed a natural progression for Matthew’s interest.
Matthew began competitive karting after showing a clean pair of heels to all his friends at a karting party which was his first time in a kart. He carried this first event forwards and raced indoors for a year at Daytona, Manchester. He secured a number of trophies during the year and finished his first season in fourth position. This led to his outdoor racing in the Formula Ford championship series, F1600 series, the FIA F4 US Championship and European & British GT4 series.
In addition to the racing, Matthew supports charities helping children and adults in ways that have a connected path, with Shaw Mind mental health, Nordoff & Robbins music therapy and Caudwell Children for disabled children and adult support.
He participates in a number of sports including golf, mountain biking and paddle boarding.
Currently living in Manchester/Brackley and previously in St Petersburg, Florida. He has an ARDS Grade A driving instructor licence, instructs at Silverstone and Oulton Park and is a coach and mentor. He maintains a P1 visa to race in the USA.
Caudwell Children
Caudwell Children is a national charity based in Staffordshire at their state-of-the-art facilities which are dedicated to improving the lives of disabled and autistic children and supporting the families.
The charity’s management and administration costs are covered by a kind benefactor so ALL donations go directly to the children and families we help. Any donation big or small makes a difference in the life of a disabled child.
Nordoff & Robbins
Nordoff & Robbins is the largest independent music therapy charity in the UK, dedicated to changing the lives of vulnerable and isolated people. They support thousands of people through their own centres and by working in over 150 partnerships with a wide range of organisations including care homes, schools and hospitals. Music therapists support people to develop their own ways of being musical in order to explore their potential and connect with the world around them.
Shaw Mind Mental Health Champion
After being contacted by Marsha Wright, also an Ambassador for Shaw Mind, to support one of the Foundations initiatives, I saw a great opportunity to be involved in spreading the message of the Foundation’s great work, raise awareness of issues around mental health and highlight the help available, particularly for those of my peer group. With my growing social media presence and US and UK location mirroring the Foundation’s there was an easy fit to connect with my passion for being with and helping others.
