Yate Simwrx Owner Takes On 24-Hour Charity Simulator Challenge Yate 2026

Key Points

• Event: Steve, owner of the Simwrx simulation venue in Yate, is set to undertake a 24-hour continuous driving challenge inside a state-of-the-art Formula 1 simulator over the upcoming bank holiday weekend.
• Tribute and Cause: The endurance event is taking place in honour of Steve’s late nephew, Matthew Krekelaar, who tragically passed away at the age of 28 following an epileptic seizure while driving.
• Charity Impact: Proceeds raised from the simulator challenge, alongside pay-what-you-like family open days held throughout the month, will be donated directly to the Epilepsy Research Institute UK.
• Tragic Backstory: On 1 October 2018, Matthew suffered a seizure behind the wheel, causing his car to leave the road and collide with two houses. He left behind his fiancée Stacey and two young daughters, Aurora and Ava.
• Condition Awareness: According to statistics cited by Brain Research UK, epilepsy affects around 1 in 100 people across the nation and results in approximately 1,000 deaths annually in the UK, often during hazardous situations such as operating a motor vehicle.

Yate (Bristol Express) August 13, 2026 –As reported by Angus McIntyre of Bristol Live, Steve, the owner of the Simwrx simulation venue in uk/local/yate/">Yate, is preparing to take on an intense 24-hour driving challenge inside a Formula 1 simulator to raise funds for vital neurological research. The event is being held in memory of his beloved nephew, Matthew Krekelaar, who lost his life in a car crash triggered by an epileptic seizure.

Matt was just 28 years old when he suffered a seizure while driving on 1 October 2018. The sudden medical episode caused his vehicle to veer off the roadway and collide into two residential properties, resulting in his death at the scene. He left behind his fiancée, Stacey, and two young daughters, Aurora and Ava.

Now, years after the tragic loss, Steve is utilizing his local business to support the Epilepsy Research Institute UK. Throughout the month, Simwrx is hosting a series of pay-what-you-like family open days, leading up to the main event over the bank holiday weekend, where all venue takings will go directly toward charitable funding.

How has the family remembered Matthew Krekelaar following the tragic accident?

Following the accident in 2018, the family released a heartfelt tribute through Avon and Somerset Police, describing Matt as:

“The kindest, most lovable, thoughtful, adoring, annoying at times, brother, father, fiance, nephew, grandson, great-grandson and son.”

Speaking to reporter Angus McIntyre of Bristol Live, Steve reflected on the ongoing impact of his nephew’s passing, describing him as a passionate Bristol Rovers fan who loved sports, cars, music, cooking, and welding:

“He was an absolutely great lad. Our family misses him every day. He has left a huge gap in everyone’s lives. We’ve always tried to raise a bit of money for epilepsy charities and the like in the businesses we’ve run.”

What are the rules and demands of the 24-hour simulator challenge?

The marathon challenge will see Steve strap into one of Simwrx’s high-tech Formula 1 racing simulators, driving continuously for a full day and night with stops permitted only for brief bathroom breaks.

To ensure the endeavour remains a genuine test of stamina, Steve explained that specific performance benchmarks are being put into place. As reported by Angus McIntyre of Bristol Live, Steve mentioned:

“I’m still trying to iron out the rules for the challenge, but there will be stipulations around keeping up a minimum speed throughout so I can’t slack off on laps and drive more like your nan than Lando Norris.”

Acknowledging the physical and mental toll of sitting in an intense racing simulator for 24 hours, Steve admitted to feeling natural pre-event jitters:

“It’s definitely pretty nerve wracking. I’ve never done more than a couple of hours on one of the simulators previously, they’re pretty intense. But yeah, it wouldn’t be worth doing if it was easy would it?”

What is the prevalence and impact of epilepsy in the United Kingdom?

As cited by Angus McIntyre of Bristol Live via figures from Brain Research UK, epilepsy affects roughly 1 in every 100 people across the UK. Although the condition is manageable for many, it carries severe risks under certain circumstances.

Approximately 1,000 individuals die every year in the UK due to complications or fatal circumstances arising from epilepsy. Tragically, these include instances where a sudden, unexpected seizure occurs while a person is engaged in a high-risk activity, such as operating a motor vehicle on public roads.

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Background of the particular development

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by a tendency to have recurring seizures, caused by sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily disrupt normal signaling.

For many years, families and charitable bodies across South Gloucestershire and the wider Bristol area have organized local initiatives to bridge funding gaps for specialized neurological research.

The Epilepsy Research Institute UK works to advance scientific understanding of the causes, prevention, and treatment of seizures. Community-led fundraising, such as the initiatives hosted by local establishments like Simwrx—which opened its doors in Yate in December—plays a crucial role in supporting independent clinical research.

The venue’s bank holiday event represents a continuing trend of local independent businesses using specialized technology and public engagement to drive funding for medical conditions that lack sufficient public visibility.

Prediction: How this development can affect the local community and epilepsy research

This initiative is expected to exert a measurable positive influence both locally in Yate and within the broader network of neurological health research.

• For the Local Community and Business Sector: Steve’s 24-hour challenge and pay-what-you-like family open days provide an accessible gateway for South Gloucestershire residents to engage with local sporting simulation technology while contributing to a charitable cause. By transforming personal grief into a public awareness campaign, the initiative fosters community solidarity and sets a template for how small independent businesses can run meaningful corporate social responsibility projects.
• For People Affected by Epilepsy and Medical Researchers: The funds raised directly benefit the Epilepsy Research Institute UK, aiding ongoing scientific studies into seizure management, safety interventions, and preventative therapies. Beyond the immediate monetary contribution, high-profile endurance challenges help elevate public understanding of the real-world dangers associated with seizures—such as driving risks—potentially encouraging better medical management and driving stricter awareness around sudden medical episodes.