Child’s tribute to her racing hero

The tragic death of a popular Giffnock man has inspired an amazing response from a six-year-old who knew him.

Garry White (26) sustained head injuries after crashing his 1921 GN Gnome single seater vintage car during the GP Italia trophy Race at Silverstone.

Despite being airlifted to Coventry Hospital, doctors could not save the former Williamwood High pupil, who died six days later,

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Now, schoolgirl Natasha Lomas — daughter of fellow classic car enthusiast and friend of Garry, John — is raising money for the brain injury association Headway (UK) in his honour.

“I met Garry five years ago on a Riley enthusiast rally and we became great friends,” said the 38-year-old vintage car restorer. “He was such a genuinely nice guy who was full of fun and always smiling. “

“Garry had a lot of time for my daughter and always made her laugh and brought her sweets — most guys his age wouldn’t do that.”

Natasha has pledged to take part in six charitable endeavours to raise money, including 26 bounces on a trampoline, 26 spellings, swimming 26 metres in a pool (currently she can manage just 10) and cycleing 26 times around her close.

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She also plans to bake 26 cakes with her mum, Helen, and finally, ride 26 miles in a vintage car.

John continued: “She just wanted to do something to help. She thought of him as a friend, as well as her favourite racing car driver.

“The response to this has been amazing and it shows what an impact Garry had on us all.

“Everybody, from Natasha’s age to my grandad, who is 83, thought the world of him — he was a special person. “

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Last Tuesday, at Garry’s funeral, more than 800 people attended and donations were made in lieu of flowers to Headway.

To donate, or to follow Natasha’s challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/Tasha-rasha. Almost £1,000 has been raised,significantly exceeding the target of £26.

Garry’s death has left dad Duncan (59), mum Linda (55), brother Allan (29)and sister Katie (27) devastated by the loss.