A North Yorkshire woman is showcasing her handmade Formula 1 car collection to raise money for St Leonard’s Hospice.
Sue Parton, from Tollerton, is exhibiting over 650 handmade Formula 1 cars to the public for the first time in memory of her husband, Nick Parton.
Each car has been handmade by Nick in his studio and includes every Grand Prix winner since the 1930s.
“My husband was a fantastic hobbyist, and from childhood, he’s been building the Formula 1 Grand Prix winners from scratch,” said Sue.
Sue and Nick had already been involved in fundraising for St Leonard’s in 2024, when they both took part in the Hospice’s version of Strictly Come Dancing. This spring, Sue felt like it was the right time to showcase Nick’s collection.
“I don’t want the models to sit there and get dusty,” Sue said. “They’re made to be seen, and this exhibition is a great legacy for Nick.
“I wanted to make it a fundraiser for St Leonard’s because Nick was suddenly taken ill, and in the last few days of his life, I needed help to care for him,” she continued.
“The St Leonard’s Hospice@Home team came to us and they were absolutely fantastic.
“I was made to feel so at ease and like nothing was ever too much trouble. I couldn’t have done it without them, and so this is my way of giving back.”
Clare Meadley, community and events fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful that Sue will be opening Nick’s handmade car collection to the public in aid of the Hospice.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for any Formula 1 fan or model hobbyist to see some incredible craftsmanship, all while supporting a local charity at the same time.
“At St Leonard’s, we rely on the generosity of our community to help us raise the funds we need to continue providing compassionate care and support to local people. That’s why fundraising efforts like Sue’s are so important, and we can’t thank her enough for her kindness in Nick’s memory.”
The exhibition in Tollerton is open on Saturday mornings until the end of September by appointment only, in return for a donation to St Leonard’s Hospice.
