British motor racing star raises money for charity in abseil challenge

ROWAN Campbell-Pilling, a rising star in British Motor Racing and Charity Ambassador for Sheffield Children’s, and his team have raised more than £3,000 by taking part in #TeamTheo’s Abseil 2023.

Keen to give back to his community, Rowan took the incredible 160ft plunge down Sheffield Hallam University’s Owen Building in support of Sheffield Children’s.

The racing star has been competing in kart racing across the UK since the age of five. Winning a multitude of trophies during his career, he was the youngest-ever winner of the Daniel Ricciardo National Series, at the age of 14. Now as a 16-year-old, he is beginning to compete in the senior ranks of karting in both the Iame X30 Series and the Daniel Ricciardo Series.

Rowan has supported many charities over the years but feels a particular affinity to The Children’s Hospital Charity. He was born in the Jessop Wing, just around the corner from Sheffield Children’s, and was admitted there two months later for a serious chest infection. Much more recently, Rowan needed an x-ray and again made use of their outstanding facilities.

Rowan said:

“My family and I know first-hand how important the services at Sheffield Children’s are and being able to raise money and awareness for something that means so much to me and many other young people in the region is such an honour.”

Double superbike world champion and current Eurosport WSB commentator, James Toseland, joined Rowan as the pair, suited in their race gear, raced against each other.

Rowan added:

“The abseil was so much fun and getting to go down twice, once on my own and again with James was an absolute blast.”

Phoebe Marriott, Events Fundraising Officer, from The Children’s Hospital Charity, said:

“It was really good to meet Rowan and the rest of Team Rowan CP42 at our charity abseil, and I was delighted to hear how much they enjoyed it.

“Descending a 160ft building using just a rope is no mean feat but Rowan bravely took on the challenge without even flinching. He and his team raised an incredible amount of money for Sheffield Children’s, and it will make a huge difference in the lives of our patients, their families and our staff.

“He is a real credit to the ambassador role and a great advocate for the charity.”

Rowan is aiming to raise further funds topping £5,000 for the charity as he goes from abseiling back to karting with a Charity Karting Event at the end of March. The two-hour endurance team race will be hosted by Rowan and will see teams of four compete in the ultimate test of karting endurance, determined by tactics, teamwork and staying power, all in support of The Children’s Hospital Charity.