A motorsport enthusiast is in pole position for fundraising after donating pyjamas for young Walsall patients.

A year ago Matt Lewis, whose firm Matt Lewis Motorsport supplies performance parts and engines for Ford RS/ST cars and other models, was diagnosed with lifelong condition haemochromatosis, where the body’s iron levels slowly build up over many years.

The father of three, 49, has a pint of blood removed fortnightly at the Manor Hospital to reduce his iron levels.

Matt hosts occasional coffee mornings organised by valued member of staff Aron Johal with fellow car enthusiasts to display their vehicles on his Brownhills forecourt.

The businessman decided to host a fundraiser to encourage donations to Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and raised £183.10. Matt and his wife Andria Kimberley (pictured left) also donated an extra £200.

Matt must continue to give blood until his iron levels fall to a normal level, which is expected to be at least another six months, and he will be monitored for the rest of his life.

In addition to his condition, all of Matt’s children were born premature so he wanted to give something back and said he would like to help the Children’s Ward at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

The ward was inundated with Christmas presents at the time so Matt bought pyjamas for younger patients instead.

“I’ve never had any requirement for hospital treatment in the past, but now I’m quite dependent on it, said Matt.

“It’s made me realise what a really good job the staff do, so this is my way of saying thank you.”

Garry Perry, Group Associate Director Patient Voice (Experience), arranged for Andria to present the pyjamas.

“Lots of our younger patients come to us in an emergency situation and they have nothing to wear at night,” said Garry.

“So we’re very grateful to Matt, Andria and their customers for this thoughtful gesture and they will be very welcome for our younger patients.

“This is replenishing our stock so if anyone else would like to donate new pyjama sets, that would be great.”

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager of Well Wishers, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity, said: “We were delighted to receive the pyjama sets – they will come in very handy and we thank Matt and his customers.”

Any donations of pyjamas can be co-ordinated through Georgie at Georgie.westley@nhs.net