A Matter of Charity

Band Aid, ably promoted by Bob Geldof, raised millions for charity, with the help of today’s media. A far more humble appeal was started 60 years ago this month, in memory of J G Parry Thomas, who was killed in “Babs” while trying to raise the LSR.

It was discovered after Thomas’ death that he had, without any self-publicity, paid for cots to be maintained at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children and at the now-closed Belgrave Childrens’ Hospital.

The “Babs” cot appeal soon raised over £1,000 (a great deal in 1927), sufficient to endow it for perpetuity at Great Ormond Street. The surplus of over £500, including more than £315 contributed by the BARC,’ enabled the Belgrave cot to be maintained for 25 years.

Admirers of the great Brooklands driver and engineer who wish to send further donations, however small, should address them to Miss Penny Uprichard, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, marking them “Babs” cot.