A champion racing driver has been announced as the latest ambassador for a hospital campaign.

European Le Mans champion Oliver Webb has become an ambassador for The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital’s (RNOH) Charity Redevelopment Appeal.

The 23-year-old driver, who will race against the likes of former F1 driver Mark Webber next season, decided to join the appeal after finding out about the work of the Stanmore hospital treating patients with spinal injuries.

The young driver said: “When I was approached by the charity I was thrilled. I have been fortunate enough to come away from the track unharmed but I have friends who have not been quite so lucky.

“Their outlook on life is still amazing and a lot of that is down to their rehabilitation, which I know is a big part of the RNOH’s spinal recovery programmes.”

The appeal is intended to raise £15 million for new equipment and facilities at the hospital, which will be undergoing a £90million redevelopment.

The money raised will be used for a new family accommodation unit, enhancing imaging equipment and a new children’s unit.

The hospital’s links with motor racing goes back decades after racing driver Graham Hill was treated at the RNOH.

In his memory, a rehabilitation assessment unit was built at the site with money from the the British Motor Racing Drivers Association, and was opened by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1979.

Rosie Stolarski, director of fundraising and development at the RNOH charity, said: “Redeveloping our facilities is vital if we are to continue to improve patient care and outcomes.

“We’re incredibly grateful for Oliver’s support, we’re thrilled to have him represent our appeal and look forward to working with him in 2015.”

Others who have given their support to the hospital’s appeal include Team GB Olympic gymnast, Max Whitlock, television adventurer Bear Grylls and HRH Princess Eugenie who is patron of the charity.