OVER twelve and a half thousand pounds have been raised in the memory of the daughter of a Formula 1 World Champion.

Ila Scheckter, daughter of 1979 champion Jody and his wife Clare, who live at Laverstoke Park Farm near Overton, tragically passed away last week.

Breaking the tragic news on Instagram, Clare said they were “utterly heartbroken and totally devastated” to announce that Ila died in her sleep, two years after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The couple, who have five other children, said Ila was battling with addiction after developing epilepsy following major brain surgery, which Clare said resulted in her “having extreme anxiety and fear of seizures”.

However, the family have set-up two Just Giving pages since Ila's death, which have since raised more than £12,500.

The pages, set-up to raise money for Action on Addiction and Centrepoint, have raised £7,339.70 and £5,190 respectively.

A message on both pages says: "Ila was a larger than life character in many ways - funny, wacky, outrageous, beautiful, smart, compassionate, empathetic, loyal and with a smile that could light up a room.

"Aged only 21, Ila has been taken from our lives too soon and the pain our family feel at her loss is unbearable."

Clare continued on her Instagram earlier this week: “She was also full of self-doubt and anxiety. She saw the good in everyone else and managed to touch the hearts of so many people in ways that she never realised. Whilst she was loved by so many, she struggled to feel that love. But she was adored by so many and the outpouring of love to the family from friends and people whose lives she impacted has meant so much to us.”

Clare told of how the family went on a trip to Monza last month to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his F1 championship victory, with Ila “bravely and determinedly” joining her parents, four brothers and younger sister, despite being really unwell.

“It was the last time the whole family were united and together we celebrated this milestone,” said Clare.

To visit the Just Giving pages, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/remembering-ila-scheckter for Action on Addiction, and justgiving.com/fundraising/remembering-ila-scheckter-centrepoint for centrepoint.