A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD car fanatic recovering from leukaemia has lived his dream of racing round a Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit.

Drew James, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in May 2007, got the chance to experience riding in a Ferrari at Silverstone on Tuesday.

The event was organised by children’s charity Starlight for around 50 youngsters aged between six and 16, some of whom had battled illness or cared for a family member.

Driven by a professional driver, Drew, of Claremont Road, Hextable, enjoyed it so much he was taken round three times, clocking a maximum speed of 143mph.

His mother Debbie, 42, said: “It was totally amazing. Drew was treated like a king.

“His words when he got out of the car were ‘That was awesome’ and he threw his fists into the air.”

Before Silverstone, Drew was invited to experience a day in the life of racing driver Tony Gilham at Brands Hatch, who was competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB.

Debbie said: “Both days were immeasurable.

“He’s living his dream, he’s so into cars. It’s been like a whirlwind. He’s been whisked away and has got to do the things people only dream of.”

And the excitement doesn’t end there as next week Drew flies out to Monte Carlo to test drive the famous Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

Visit Starlight’s website at starlight.org.uk