Case Study - Henry Surtees Foundation

Rebecca Leppard and Eventageous PR: Supporting John Surtees CBE and the Henry Surtees Foundation

Following a successful PR campaign in 2013, Eventageous PR was commissioned directly by John Surtees CBE to manage his personal PR, alongside promoting his events and fundraising efforts throughout the year. Rebecca’s dedication to this cause and her relationship with John extended to the Henry Surtees Foundation, an organisation founded by John Surtees in memory of his son Henry, tragically killed during a Formula 2 race at Brands Hatch in 2009.

The Henry Surtees Foundation (HSF)

The foundation’s primary mission was to assist those affected by brain or physical injuries caused by accidents, particularly those in the motorsport world. HSF provided a vital education and training in motorsport-related fields like engineering and road safety. Additionally, it supported young people by organising activities that help them develop the personal skills required for independent living.

The foundation had strong partnerships with various air ambulance services, such as the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust, Great North Air Ambulance, and several regional blood bike groups. HSF’s work was critical in providing life-saving equipment, such as blood transfusion services and vehicles for emergency services.

Rebecca’s work for John Surtees CBE and the Henry Surtees Foundation was incredibly meaningful, particularly following John Surtees’ passing in 2017, a moment Rebecca described as the saddest PR task she had ever undertaken. Through these efforts, Rebecca not only helped preserve John Surtees’ legacy but also contributed significantly to a foundation that continues to save lives and support critical services.

Rebecca feels deeply privileged to have worked closely with John Surtees, one of motorsport’s greatest icons, and remains honoured to have played a big part in preserving both his and his son’s legacy through the Henry Surtees Foundation.

As part of her work with the Henry Surtees Foundation, Rebecca and her team achieved incredible PR milestones.

Celebrity Endorsements: Secured support from notable figures, including Sir Patrick Stewart (Hollywood Star), Brendan Cole (Strictly Come Dancing), James Whitham, Steve Parrish, Nick Mason, and Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne.

Media Coverage: Rebecca orchestrated a highly successful media campaign, generating 257 separate UK articles, valued at over £1.5 million. Key outlets included The Sun, The Times, Daily Telegraph, and Daily Express.

Broadcast and International Coverage: Rebecca secured broadcast interviews and media appearances for the foundation across SkyTV, BBC World Service, and ITV, reaching a global audience and generating immense exposure for the charity.

Under Rebecca’s strategic PR guidance, Eventageous PR achieved significant media traction and increased support for the Henry Surtees Foundation, contributing to several notable achievements:

Blood Transfusion Equipment: The Foundation’s donation directly funded the purchase of vital medical equipment like blood warmers and thermostatically controlled boxes for the Air Ambulance and Blood Bike groups.

Vehicle Donations: The Foundation purchased Honda CR-Vs for the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulances, and Vauxhall Mokka vehicles for the Great North Air Ambulance Service and regional Blood Bike groups, enabling on-the-scene blood transfusions during emergencies.