James Russell never imagined that he would be celebrating his 18th birthday in hospital, however that was the sad reality for the young motorsport fan following a motor cycle accident that left him with serious head, lung and rib injuries.
In Townsville for the Ronald McDonald House Charity Ball, Jim Beam Racing's Steven Johnson was determined to make James' birthday memorable with a surprise visit.
“Young James has had a tough time and we were able to make his day that much more special,” said Johnson.
The V8 Supercar driver said said that visits like these meant a lot to young people in hospital.
“Every time you walk into a ward and they see your face it just seems to make their day”. he said.
"It's so tough for kids to be away from their family and friends and it's great to be able to play a small part in their recovery."
Johnson also praised the Ronald McDonald House Charity for their work with families of sick children.
"Ronald McDonald Houses are such amazing resources families of sick kids," said Johnson, who attended the ball as a VIP guest of the charity and raffled a hot lap in his #17 Falcon to help raise funds.
"My family is everything to me so I was thrilled to be able to help."
The Ronald McDonald House Charity ball was attended by over 300 people and V8 Supercars has played a major part in raising awareness for the program in Townsville.
In Townsville for the Ronald McDonald House Charity Ball, Jim Beam Racing's Steven Johnson was determined to make James' birthday memorable with a surprise visit.
“Young James has had a tough time and we were able to make his day that much more special,” said Johnson.
The V8 Supercar driver said said that visits like these meant a lot to young people in hospital.
“Every time you walk into a ward and they see your face it just seems to make their day”. he said.
"It's so tough for kids to be away from their family and friends and it's great to be able to play a small part in their recovery."
Johnson also praised the Ronald McDonald House Charity for their work with families of sick children.
"Ronald McDonald Houses are such amazing resources families of sick kids," said Johnson, who attended the ball as a VIP guest of the charity and raffled a hot lap in his #17 Falcon to help raise funds.
"My family is everything to me so I was thrilled to be able to help."
The Ronald McDonald House Charity ball was attended by over 300 people and V8 Supercars has played a major part in raising awareness for the program in Townsville.