SALE-based kart racer Jay Goodwin has been named an Ambassador for children’s charity, Five Stars Appeal, which the 15-year-old hopes is an inspiration to his peers as he prepares for the 2013 karting season.

Having won at every level of karting since the age of eight, Jay now joins the likes of Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Take That with his involvement in the Manchester-based charity after its corporate fundraiser, Nicola Smith, approached the future motor racing star.

Five Stars Appeal raise funds for children in the north west who have life changing or life threatening illnesses.

Away from Jay's charitable work, the youngster endured a mixed 2012 season on the track after a broken leg in a pre-season accident curtailed his preparations.

Thankfully hewas aided by a link-up with the Silverstone-based iZone Driver Performance scheme, where he is mentored by triple World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx and also takes advantage of regular simulator sessions as part of a structured, bi-weekly training and development initiative designed to hone his skills ahead of a professional career in the sport.

Jay said: “I am extremely proud and honoured to have been asked to be an ambassador for Five Stars Appeal. Being involved in a charity like this and having visited many of the children in hospital makes you realise how fortunate some of us are when compared with the terrible illnesses faced by these brave children.

"The challenges that many children have to overcome when suffering from illness puts my racing ups and downs into perspective, and I am just pleased that I may be able to help in some small way."