The British GT Silverstone 500 welcomed some very special guests this weekend. Purple Sectors, the brainchild of commentator Chris McCarthy, along with Jennie Gow and Neil Cole launched for 2025 with young people invited to enjoy some exclusive behind the scenes activities.
Thanks to the generous support of GB3, Silverstone and SRO Motorsport Group, five young people from Young Epilepsy’s Youth Voice Network came along for a taste of the action and access to some truly special trackside moments.
Purple Sectors is a unique fundraising initiative bringing the world of motorsport together in aid of Young Epilepsy. Born out of Chris McCarthy’s passion for racing and a desire to support young people living with epilepsy, after his own diagnosis meant his dreams of racing pivoted to a career in commentating on some of the biggest championships in the industry including F1 Kids, F2 and F3.
To kick off 2025, Chris McCarthy has joined forces with BBC F1 broadcaster, Jennie Gow, and motorsport presenter, Neil Cole, to offer a unique mentoring opportunity to young people living with epilepsy trying to break into the world of motorsport, presenting and media.
“I’m so excited to be working with Jennie and Neil this year, their passion and industry experience will help take Purple Sectors to a whole new level. Silverstone was the first step for Purple Sectors 2025 and provided a unique opportunity for young people living with epilepsy to experience the opportunities that exist in motorsport, even if driving on track is not a possibility.”Chris McCarthy
“Since my daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy, it's opened my eyes to a different world; one that features specific struggles, but Young Epilepsy have been there every step of the way offering guidance, friendship and support. I'm so pleased that two of my major focuses have united in Purple Sectors. Commentator, Chris McCarthy put together an amazing event last year and he's back, with our support. I'm honoured to be involved.”Jennie Gow
“The work done by Young Epilepsy is essential. I have experienced the heart-breaking impact this condition can have, so any way to improve processes for young people and their families faced with the diagnosis, plus raising awareness and funds, is a personal drive.”Neil Cole
The Purple Sectors group at Silverstone enjoyed a tour of the OnSide Productions set-up with talks from Director, Tom Howe, TalkSport Presenter, Jon Jackson and Commentator, Piers Prior. Before moving on to a full garage tour with championship leader 2Seas Motorsport driver Kien Jewiss including a chance to sit in the Mercedes AMG GT3!
An exclusive talk around the new GB3 Championship car from VRD Driver Hugo Schwarze along with his mechanic followed, offering insight about how to work in this area of the industry. Miles Murphy from MDM Designs then spoke to the group about how he designs crash helmets from F1 drivers including Lando Norris!
Next up, Young Epilepsy Youth Voice Network members were treated to a full tour of the Hayfisher commentary box with presenter Bryn Lucas, along with the chance to meet commentator, Andy McEwan, and driver James Baldwin.
A truly unforgettable experience for the amazing young people that attended and a chance to raise awareness and understanding for epilepsy.
Silverstone and Purple Sectors are giving young people that are dealing with epilepsy a chance to experience the motorsport world in a way that maybe they couldn't do through driving, but they can in other ways. Just being able to get so close up to the cars, meeting the drivers, all the teams that are behind it, just being so close to everything, really being in that environment has opened up all the different career paths you could go down and things you could do.Lewis, 16
Purple Sectors continues to build a bridge between motorsport and the epilepsy community, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.
More details of the Purple Sectors event taking place later this year will be announced shortly. To keep up to date with the latest Purple Sectors news follow @SettingPurpleSectors on Instagram.
