YOUNGSTERS in the Vale of Clwyd are still being inspired by the only Welshman to win a Formula 1 race - more than four decades following his tragic death.
Denbigh's Ysgol Frongoch will present an annual award in memory of Tom Pryce, a former pupil at the school.
The initiative is the brainchild of a number of individuals, one of whom is David Jones, a lifelong friend of Tom's.
David said: "The idea of the appeal was spurred by the success of the 2018 Tom Pryce exhibition held at Denbigh Museum, which was housed in his old school, Ysgol Frongoch, where the aspiring Formula 1 ace dreamt of becoming a top motor racing driver.
"Our original aim was to create a fitting and exceptional piece of public art, to inspire us all, but especially our children and young people in general, to be the best they can be, whatever their dreams are.
"In 2019 we contacted the current headmaster Dylan Thomas, of Ysgol Frongoch, where Tom was a pupil in the early 1950s, to ask if we could come along to the school and talk to the children about Tom, and his dreams and the ambitions he had as a child and what he subsequently achieved with hard work, determination and resilience."
It was at Brands Hatch in 1975 that Tom became the only Welshman ever to win a Formula 1 race.
Tragically, two years later, he was killed while competing at the South African Grand Prix, aged just 27.
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After the visit to Ysgol Frongoch, it was decided a far more fitting tribute to Tom would be donating a sum of money to the school on an annual basis and the staff could award a trophy in Tom’s name to a pupil who had shown hard work, passion and determination in attempting to achieve their goal, or merely demonstrated the quality of a caring and kind nature in helping others over the previous 12 months.
"In addition, £1,000 will be donated annually to the school," added David.
"Through the efforts and kindness of authors Darren Banks and Kevin Guthrie, who produced a wonderful book, ‘Tom Pryce - Memories of a Welsh F1 Star By Those Who Knew Him’ they have agreed to donate all profits from the sale of the books to the fund.
"The current figure is over £12,000. In addition, £3,475 was raised by generous enthusiasts via the GoFundMe page originally set up to raise sufficient funds for a statue.
"The combining of the two figures will ensure that the prize and trophy will be awarded on an annual basis for many years to come.
"The award has the approval of Tom's widow, Nella, who expressed her delight that Tom's name will be associated with children, who he adored, but, due to the cruel hand of fate, was denied the joys of becoming a parent."
In light of the change of direction, any individuals who donated to the GoFundMe page and wish their donations to be returned can contact Dave Jones on davehjones55@aol.com
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