Children at Derriford Hospital are now able to drive themselves to surgery or X-rays in their very own Tesla car.

Derriford Hospital is the fourth children’s unit in the country to receive a Tesla car which is a battery-powered replica of the full size models, with a working MP3 sound system and space in the trunk to carry toys and other belongings. Children will be accompanied to theatre, X-ray or other appointments and will be able to drive the car themselves.

Matron Anita Dykes said: “This is a lovely gesture and will make a big difference to lots of children who could really benefit from having their minds distracted.”

The man behind the donation, Mark Freeman, is the Director of KK Control and Equipment Ltd.; a Plymouth based electrical company whose firm has worked at Derriford Hospital over the years. Mark is also part of the Tesla Owners Group UK, whose members have been donating child-sized Tesla cars to various hospitals and charitable Trusts.

“This will allow children to drive themselves to areas they need to go in the hospital, just to try and make the experience a little less daunting”, said Mark. “KK controls are very pleased to donate a car to the children’s wards at Derriford Hospital.”

Mark contacted Plymouth Hospitals Charity Manager, Corrine Bailey with the kind offer. “We get calls from amazing people who want to donate time or money to the hospital”, said Corinne. “But when I took this call, I grinned from ear to ear.

“I think any child who has to spend time on a ward will feel a little bit worried and a little bit scared. Having this shiny beautiful electric car will bring smiles to a lot of faces that’s for sure.

“On behalf of the charity I’d like to say a big thank you to the Tesla Owners Group.”