Inspirational Sheffield teenager's Formula One dream comes true after unforgettable Mercedes surprise
An inspirational Sheffield teenager whose fundraising and advocacy in memory of her late brother, Ayaan, have touched lives across the UK has seen her lifelong Formula One dream come true after Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team surprised her with an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience at the British Grand Prix.
Aroob Haroon, a wheelchair user with a rare genetic condition, was given exclusive access to the Mercedes Trackside Home, the Formula One paddock and pit lane at Silverstone after months of planning by the team to ensure every aspect of the visit was fully accessible.
For Aroob, who has loved Formula One for many years, the experience was a dream come true.
She met Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, who both took time to speak with her, pose for photographs and make her feel genuinely welcome.
Speaking after the visit, Aroob said: "I came hoping to see Formula One. I left having found something even more special – kindness.
"As a disabled young person, I spend much of my life overcoming barriers that many people never have to think about. The experience reminded me that I belong, that people believe in me and that dreams really can come true."
While receiving treatment at Sheffield Children's Hospital, Aroob began fundraising in memory of her beloved younger brother, Ayaan, who died in 2023.
Following Ayaan's, an independent investigation identified significant shortcomings in aspects of his care.
What started as a small Ramadan fundraiser has since grown into her nationally recognised Moon and Stars Campaign, honouring Ayaan's life and legacy by raising thousands of pounds for children's hospitals and charities across the UK.
Alongside her fundraising, Aroob has become a passionate advocate for disabled children's equal rights, continuing her work in Ayaan's memory by speaking publicly about the failings in Ayaan's care and campaigning for greater inclusion, accessibility and equal opportunities for disabled children across the country.
During their meeting, George Russell praised Aroob's charity work and encouraged her to continue making a difference, something she says has inspired her even more to carry on her fundraising and advocacy in memory of Ayaan.
Aroob said: "I want to keep fighting for disabled children because I don't want any other child to go through what my little brother Ayaan went through.
"I speak openly about the failings in Ayaan's care because I don't ever want another child to suffer the way he did.
"Everything I do – my fundraising and my advocacy – is in Ayaan's memory. If I can help bring about change so that even one child receives better care, then Ayaan's legacy will continue to make a difference."
The experience ended with another touching moment when, as Aroob and her father, Haroon Rashid, were leaving Silverstone, they were recognised by a family from London who had followed Aroob's fundraising and advocacy in memory of Ayaan.
Delighted to meet her in person, they spent time talking before kindly showing her more of the circuit, bringing a fitting end to what Aroob described as one of the happiest experiences of her life.
Haroon Rashid said: "Mercedes gave Aroob so much more than a visit to the British Grand Prix.
"They reminded her that she belongs, that people believe in her and that dreams really can come true.
"George Russell's encouragement has given her even greater determination to continue her fundraising and advocacy in memory of Ayaan, ensuring his legacy lives on by helping create a more inclusive future for disabled children."
Reflecting on the unforgettable experience, Aroob said she will now be cheering on Mercedes with even greater pride.
"Mercedes won't just be my favourite Formula One team," she said. "They'll always be part of one of the happiest memories of my life."