'Britain's Greatest Test Driver': Norman Dewis OBE 1920-2019

In his 33-year career at Jaguar, Norman Dewis developed fantastic vehicles including the Jaguar C-Type, D-Type and E-Type. A legendary test driver, Norman was heavily involved in the development of disc brakes, the D-TYPE and set a production car speed record of 172.4mph.

Earlier this year Norman sadly passed away, aged 98. Norman was a very proud man and was not keen on taking charity. However, a number of Norman’s friends were asking me how they could help Norman in his final months.

Tony O’Keeffe, sales specialist at Jaguar Land rover Clasic sat down with Norman and fellow Jaguar club member John Butterworth. They told Norman that the ‘Jaguar family’ wanted to help him and wanted to start a Trust fund in his name. 

Norman was a great supporter of Hope Hospice with is a charity for unwell children, and so the Norman Dewis OBE Trust Fund was created. Whilst Norman was alive, any money raised for the fund contributed towards his healthcare and ensured that he had everything he wanted. However, after his death every single penny left in the Trust fund was donated to Hope Hospice, in line with Norman’s wishes.

In total the fund received £33,335.40 in donations. Of this £7,560.31 was spent on improving Norman’s living conditions and nursing care. Thanks to these donation, Norman was able to be at his home when he passed away, in line with his wishes.

Following Norman’s death, the remaining £25,775.09 was donated to Hope Hospice, helping to improve the lives of many of the children supported by the hospice. 

Norman was a great ambassador for Jaguar and contributed to the development of many important milestones in Jaguar’s history. The support that was received for Norman and his trust fund have helped many lives, including Norman’s and the ongoing benefit of this support will continue to help young lives supported by Hope Hospice now and in the future.

Read more about Norman Dewis’s story here

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