CHESTER DUO IN CHARITY JUMP

The sky’s the limit for two members of staff at a Chester business this Easter.

Dane Volkswagen’s receptionist Sophie Davis and business manager Iain Gilholm normally have their feet planted firmly on the ground, but on Easter Sunday they will be heading for the heavens to take part in a charity skydive.

Sophie, aged 20 and 30-year-old Iain, have set themselves a target of raising £500 for Cancer Research.

For Sophie it’s her first skydive and even though she’s looking forward to it she’s hoping nerves don’t get the better of her when the aircraft levels out at 12,00ft and it’s time to step out.

She said: “It’s a great cause and I just want to help raise as much money as I can. At the moment I am looking forward to the big day but I just know that once I get up in that plane I’m going to be very apprehensive - to say the least.”

Iain is almost a veteran skydiver - ¬having done one before in Australia, although he’s a little apprehensive he admits to looking forward to his first skydive jump in the UK.

“It’s going to be an amazing day, and I’m sure we will both get a great buzz from both the jump and raising so much money for charity,” he said.

Dane Volkswagen’s brand manager, Chris McCabe, added: “Everyone at Dane Volkswagen wishes Sophie and Iain the best of luck with the sky dive, it’s certainly going to be a great experience.

“Staff are digging deep into their pockets to help the diving duo reach their target for a very good charity.”

Iain and Sophie have set up a website to help reach their fundraising target www.justgiving.com/iainandsophiescharitysplat

Volkswagen team pedal to Paris for cancer charity

A ladies night at a Bury St Edmunds car retailer helped raise over £1,000 for a cancer charity.

Over 125 ladies attended the event at Northgate Volkswagen as it was transformed into a venue to raise money for Macmillian Cancer Research.

The Ladies Pampering and Shopping Night was organised to help showcase the fundraising efforts of a team from Northgate Volkswagen who are taking part in the London to Paris cycle ride in July in aid of the charity.

Cars were moved aside as the showroom was converted into a pampering arena of beauty treatments, colour analysis sessions plus stalls of homemade crafts, gifts and jewellery.

Shaun Barlow, Joe Parmenter and Terry Scott from Bury St Edmunds hailed the event as a huge success as Volkswagen business manager, Shaun, explained.

He said: “We were overwhelmed with the response and the money raised.

“We are very grateful to our colleagues who helped sell tickets for the evening and kindly baked cakes as refreshments for our guests.

“We were delighted that so many local shops and suppliers supported the event, with over 22 different stalls and services there was plenty to keep everyone entertained.”

The £1,000 raised on the night was generated through tickets sales and a raffle supported by stall holders and Northgate Volkswagen.

Shaun, added: “The three of us all cycle but the 408km ride in July, which we have to complete in four days, is certainly a tough challenge for us.

“The money raised has certainly kick started our fundraising efforts as we have a target of £4,650. We are so pleased our employer was willing to let us take over the showroom for the night.

“There is a lot of organisation to events like this and a special thanks must go our work colleague, Amelia, who helped coordinate the stall holders.”

Robert Rolfe, brand manager at Northgate Volkswagen, added: “The spacious showroom provides plenty of space for this sort of event so we were more than happy to support our staff on their impressive charity challenge.”

To support Shaun, Joe and Terry donations can be made by visiting justgiving.com/northgatevolkswagen.

Charity jump to raise hundreds for Children in Need

Players from Derby County Football Club are teaming up with a Mackworth business to help raise hundreds of pounds for this year’s Children in Need appeal.

Imperial Commercials, Derby’s dedicated Volkswagen commercial vehicle site, is inviting the members of the public to join its staff and Derby county players in a charity bungee jump fun day, taking place on Friday 18th November.

The Ashbourne Road van centre team will be plummeting 175 feet in a series of sponsored bungee jumps and welcomes visitors to take their own charity plunge to help raise funds for the annual children’s appeal.

The bungee jump will be erected in the Volkswagens forecourt and will take place between 10:30am and 4pm, refreshments will also be available.

The Derby County Football Club players will be available in the afternoon to greet fans and sign autographs.

Van drivers will also have the opportunity to get Derby County match day tickets as 20 pairs will be up for grabs to anyone who test drives a new Volkswagen vehicle on the day.

Matthew Lawrenson, regional director at Imperial Commercials, said: “This is a great opportunity for the business to help raise awareness and money for a worthy cause.

“Staff are busy fundraising for their bungee jumps and we hope that other members of the public take advantage of the 175 feet plunge and give generously.

“We are delighted that players from Derby County are joining us and hope the day is a huge success and lots of money is raised to support the vital work done by Children in Need.”

Further charity fundraising action will see three teams of Imperial Commercials staff compete in a “jailbreak” race on Friday 18th November. The teams will be dropped off ten miles from the van centre in fancy dress outfits, they will then have to race back to the site, blagging their way without using any money or mobile phones.

A suitable donation to Children in Need is requested for all bungee jumps by the general public, availability will be on a first come basis.

Van centre helping to empower workers with disabilities

A High Wycombe business has pledged its support for a charity scheme which helps to prepare people with learning difficulties for work.

The Norwood Charity is organising a commercial car wash in Hatch End and have been provided with a Volkswagen Transporter from Citygate Volkswagen Van Centre.

Norwood Future Clean, which is part of the charity’s supported employment programme, is a training project that teaches participants vital work skills.

Head of business at Citygate Volkswagen, Mark Hudson said: “We’re proud to support the Future Clean programme and are glad that we can be of assistance by providing a van.

“As a business we’re always happy to get involved in the community and support fantastic causes.”

Project development manager Linda Looney said: “Norwood believes that everyone, regardless of their ability or circumstance, has the right to play a full and active part in society and having a job is a key aspect of this.

“Based on social enterprise principles, Norwood Future Clean is a fantastic new training project that provides an important stepping stone on the road to employment for people with a learning disability.

“It really suits the needs of the people we have identified as participants and, because it is environmentally-friendly, we also believe it will be attractive to motorists.”

Staff at Watford business run for charity

Staff at a Watford retailer have raised hundreds of pounds for charity by running the recent Harpenden 10k.

Nine staff at Citygate Watford are still receiving money for the event, but hope the total is over £250 for Grove House Hospice.

The team of Kelly Demello, Sean Hughes, Daniel Antunes, Alex Trill, John Rowlands, Abdul Al-Ahmad, Nikki Poole, Rob Agim and Steve Telling, completed the course in under 48 minutes.

Peter Wood, brand manager at Citygate Watford, is proud of his staff who donated their time to raise money for a good cause.

He said: “The staff at Watford are always putting themselves out for customers and this is showcased by the nine staff donating time to raise money for charity.

“I’m sure they all enjoyed the event and can feel very proud of the money they have raised.”

Chester business in the pink for charity

A Chester business is going all pink this week (Friday 28th), hoping to raise over £1,000 for charity.

Dane Volkswagen on Sealand Road will be hosting a Pink Friday in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness, including a raffle and wash and vac service and a ladies evening.

All staff at the retailer will be dressed in pink, with a prize for the best dressed customer who comes along during the day.

The event is on all day, but at 5pm the showroom will be turned into ‘ladies evening’ with car maintenance sessions, home baked refreshments and many prizes in the raffle.

Organiser, Lynsey Axon, is hoping to see as many people attend and is promising an event to remember.

She said: “It should be a fantastic event, which we hope will raise lots of money for a great charity.

“Some of the raffles prizes are worth hundreds of pounds and we also have some competitions specifically for children to make it a real family event.

“The staff will be bringing in freshly baked cakes, others are donating time to demonstrate car maintenance and the remaining will ensure everyone who attends has a good time.”

Among the main raffles prizes are car service plans worth up to £349, MOTs and winter safety packs.

The parts department will be donating a percentage of all sales made during the day to the fund, while all the money made from selling refreshments and the wash and vac service will go to Breast Cancer Awareness

Lynsey added: “There will also be a prize for the best dressed person, so everyone who attends should dress to impress!”

Managing director gets back in the saddle for charity

A West Midlands managing director has completed a sponsored bike ride, raising £1,200 for a children’s charity.

Andrew Hockedy, who manages Trust Group UK which has three Volkswagen sites in Redditch, Wolverhampton and Stourbridge, cycled 100 kilometres for Action Medical Research.

The 49-year-old, who is based at Wolverhampton Volkswagen, took part in the organised Warwick 100 ride around the Warwickshire countryside, to help raise awareness of the leading UK-wide medical research charity dedicated to helping babies and children.

Speaking of the ride, Andrew, said: “It was certainly a tough challenge but one I relished.

“I was a keen cyclist when I was younger and even rode 1,500 mile of my own Tour de France route, but I hadn’t been on a bike in years.

“The charity ride has revived my passion for the saddle so much so that I have committed to three further races for Action Medical Research.

“I am very grateful to all sponsors and aim to double my donation total over the forthcoming rides.”

Andrew plans to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats next year to raise further funds for Action Medical Research.

WEDNESBURY WORKERS THROW DARTS FOR CHARITY

Wednesbury workers this week stepped up to the oche to throw some arrows with World number three darts player James Wade to help a local charitable cause.

Sales people from MSC/J&L on Pacific Avenue in Wednesbury took a break from normal day to day business to play darts with current Premier League darts player, James Wade, at their head office on Wednesday.

WD-40 Multi-Use product, one of James Wade’s main sponsors, invited him to the industrial supplier to meet the team and challenge them to an exciting darts competition.
Staff at the site played James Wade in a 9-darts competition and key staff were thanked by WD-40 Company for their excellent sales figures across their newly launched Blue Works brand, with gift vouchers as a reward for their hard work.

James‘s appearance will also benefit a worthwhile cause. A professional dart board has been donated and signed by the world number three and presented to staff at MSC/J&L, who have chosen to raffle it, in house, to raise money for a local boy suffering with a terminal illness.

WD-40 Brand manager, Amy Long, said: “It is fantastic we could brighten up the day for staff at MSC/J&L by bringing James Wade to Wednesbury.

“It is great to also be able to work with James in support of a very worthwhile charitable cause and we really hope the dart board raises lots of money.”

Nadine Taylor, marketing communications supervisor for MSC/J&L added: “Having James with us for the afternoon was a great way to boost staff morale whilst creating a bit of fun.

“We appreciate WD-40 Company’s help in bringing him in to town and hope we managed to make a decent game of it with some of the darts we threw!”

Car retailer helps 'Mocember' raise £5K for care units

A local business manager, who secured sponsorships to grow facial hair, has raised £5,000 for two Devon hospitals after they both treated his new born son.

Joel Tucker, who works at Barnstaple Volkswagen, organised a ‘Mocember’ with friends and family to raise money for Barnstaple and Derriford hospitals, after his baby son, Jenson, received emergency treatment following a complicated birth.

The fund was boosted after Barnstaple Volkswagen’s brand manager, Andrew Smale, offered to help Joel’s campaign.

‘Mocember’ participants then competed for the best shaped facial hair award at the campaigns grand finale event hosted by The Half Moon Inn, Sheepwash.

Speaking of the event, 27-year-old Joel, said: “It was great fun comparing everyone’s facial hair and it was all for a fantastic cause, a special thanks goes out to Anna Jones for organising it all.

“I’d also like to thank my family, friends and Barnstaple Volkswagen for contributing to the £5,000 we’ve raised for Barnstaple and Derriford hospitals, which both gave exceptional care to my son.”

Jenson was born on 25 November but was admitted to Barnstaple Hospital after suffering complications during his birth.

He was soon transferred to Derriford Hospital to receive the specialist treatment he required.

Andrew Smale, brand manager for Barnstaple Volkswagen, said: “We’re pleased that we’ve been able to help Joel raise money for a fantastic cause.

“Joel was going through a difficult time, and it makes me proud to know that all of the staff pulled together in the same direction when a colleague needed it most.”

Baby Jenson is now on the road to making a full recovery at home with his family.
If you would like to make a donation towards the cause, please donate here.

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITY

A Wrexham retailer is hosting a ‘Christmas Weekend’ by helping provide some festive cheer to youngsters at Hope House Children’s Hospice

To help make the event a success, Wrexham Volkswagen is asking people to buy an extra present while out shopping and drop it off to the Rhosrobin showroom on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th December.

Families will be welcomed by Father Christmas and while he talks to children about their Christmas present wish list, parents can enjoy a mince pie and warm drink.

Alison Marsh, fundraising manager at Hope House Children’s Hospice, said: “The ‘Christmas Weekend’ is a fantastic idea and we hope many people come along to Wrexham Volkswagen, donate a gift and enjoy a mince pie.

“It costs £1.8m a year to run the Hospice and we rely almost entirely upon donations, as well as many generous individuals who fundraise on our behalf by organising incredible fundraising events across the region.

“Christmas is all about thinking of others, and what better way than to bring a smile to a child’s face by donating a present.”

Wrexham Volkswagen’s brand manager, Ben Gilbert, said: “We’re delighted to be able to help Hope House Children’s Hospice and trust many people can find the time to donate a gift.

“Staff at Wrexham Volkswagen will be donating a present and offering festive refreshments to keep people warm in the cold weather.”

Wrexham Volkswagen’s Rhosrobin showroom will host Father Christmas from 10am-4pm on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th December.

CHELMSFORD SALES TEAM’S MOVEMBER CHARITY CHALLENGE

A Chelmsford sales team is hoping to raise over £1,000 for charity by taking part in the now traditional ‘Movember moustache challenge’.

Led by sales manager, Stuart Lund, nineteen staff at Inchcape Volkswagen will not shave their upper lips during November, with all money donated going to the Prostate Cancer charity.

Two female staff will join in by wearing false moustaches during the month.

Stuart said: “Prostate cancer is something everyone is aware of and Movember is a fun way of raising money for a fantastic cause.

“It’s fantastic that so many staff are taking part and we’re hoping everyone has some growth to show at the end of the month.

“We’re encouraging customers to get involved and hope to not only reach our target, but smash it.”

To help the Volkswagen team reach their target simply go to http://uk.movember.com/mospace/762754

BELFAST CHALLENGERS TREK TO CHINA FOR PARKINSON’S

Two intrepid challengers from Isaac Agnew Volkswagen are taking on a notoriously tough trek along The Great Wall of China in aid of Parkinson’s Disease Society.

Tracey McClelland from Moira and Julie Stevenson from Belfast will embark on a 80km trek across three sections of the Great Wall and have already raised over half of their fundraising goal of £8,000.

The Volkswagen duo became firm friends after meeting at Isaac Agnew a number of years ago. After discovering several close friends and family were diagnosed with Parkinson’s the determined pair felt they needed to do something to try and help.

It’s full speed ahead for the novice walkers, who with the help of their Isaac Agnew colleagues have already held a highly successful Charity Fashion Show at Comber Rec FC, raising over £1,000 from ticket sales and a raffle.

The trek, which takes place on the 18th September, will encompass some of the most remote, picturesque and toughest sections of the Great Wall, including Gubeikou, Jinshanling and Simatai. Reaching highs of 700 metres, the challenge, which Julie and Tracey have funded themselves, will take five days to complete.

“We felt compelled to help raise funds for this very worthy charity, so they can continue their research and provide much needed support to sufferers and their families” says Tracey, Quality and Training Coordinator at Isaac Agnew.

“Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition and there is currently no cure. It is heartbreaking to discover your close friends and loved ones are having to go through this. So in our quest for answers we came across the China trek, and given that we are not walkers, felt this would be a suitable fundraising challenge to help raise awareness.”

“We are so grateful to our Isaac Agnew colleagues, their support is unquestionable from so generously donating, to helping us make our Charity Fashion Show such a success.”

So far Julie and Tracey have raised £6,483, if you would like to donate and help them exceed their goal visit www.justgiving.com/julie-stevenson.

For further information please contact Sue Foster or Becki Oake on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com / becki@connect-group.com

Car technicians complete mammouth bike ride for charity

Three body shop specialists from Nottingham Volkswagen have completed one of their hardest life challenges after cycling 85 miles for charity.

Richard Dorito, 33, along with his work colleagues Lee Warnes, 38, and Daniel Boyle, 26, all from Nottingham, cycled from Loughborough to Skegness on Saturday 15th May to raise funds for Bone Cancer Research.

The cycling trio joined 200 other cyclists on the day and managed to complete the journey in an exhausting nine hours, collectively raising over £1,000 for the charity.

Richard said: “We were inspired to complete the challenge after a friend’s son died of bone cancer. It is such a devastating illness we all felt we wanted to do something to help raise awareness for the charity.

“It was an amazing experience, a tough day mentally and physically but it was worth the effort knowing that the money raised would help fund research into the causes and treatment of bone cancer.

“It is with thanks to the team at Nottingham Volkswagen that we were able to raise as much as we did. Everyone really got behind us.”

Around 500 cases of primary bone cancer is diagnosed in the UK each year.

Brand manager at Nottingham Volkswagen, Declan Oglesby said: “Richard, Lee and Daniel trained hard to complete this challenge and have all done exceptionally well.”

Walking the walk for Breast Cancer Care

A marketing manager from a Somerset Volkswagen car retailer is stepping up the training for a night time marathon walk, wearing very little other than a colourfully decorated bra, all in the name of charity.

Sharon Mortimore, from Exeter, is taking part in the Playtex Moonwalk on the 15th May and is planning to raise over £1,000 for Breast Cancer Care.

The event, which attracted over 15,000 walkers last year, will see Sharon join thousands of women - and a few courageous men – as they parade through central London in the hours of darkness.

Sharon who normally spends her time promoting Silver Street Volkswagen, is now using her skills to help raise sponsorship for her walking challenge.

She said: “My work colleagues have been very generous and are looking forward to seeing the pictures from the event. I would like to thank the Silver Street Automotive Group who has certainly given my sponsorship total a big boost.

“I have been training hard and walking to work when possible. I am really looking forward to the event. It is such a wonderful and humbling experience that really unites women in the fight against Breast Cancer. “

This year’s theme is ‘Showtime’ which invites participates to decorate their bras in plentiful amounts of glitter, feathers, sparkles and beads creating a razzle dazzle feel to the event.

Andy Russell, Managing Director from Silver Street Automotive Group said: “We are very happy to support Sharon and wish all the Moonwalkers the very best of luck.”

To help Sharon reach her goal donations can be taken into Taunton Volkswagen on Silver Street or by visiting http://www.walkthewalkfundraising.org/sharon_mortimore

HARD TIMES FAIL TO KNOCK CHARITY SUPPORT

Despite very challenging times, staff at LTI Vehicles have dug deep into their pockets to the benefit of two local charities.

Throughout 2009, staff at the Holyhead Road firm, took part in a range of fundraising activities to raise £645 for the NSPCC and Myton Hospice.

The money will be used to support abused young people at the NSPCC Boole House project and to let staff at Myton Hospice continue the care provision for patients and their families.

Peter Shillcock, managing director at LTI Vehicles, said: "This is a tremendous effort by our workforce and a huge thank you must go out to each and everyone of them. Times may be hard, but staff have parted with their money to help those less fortunate then themselves."

For more information about LTI Vehicles visit www.lti.co.uk

ENDS

Picture caption: from left to right, Tina Hayes from NSPCC, Margaret Hitchens from LTI, Emma Weaver from LTI, Claire McDowell from Myton Hospice

News release issued on behalf of LTI Vehicles by Connect PR.

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com

Rallying support for Charity

A car salesman from Aylesbury is gearing up for the ride of his life this summer, all in the name of charity.

Richard Creaser is racing across Europe in the Scally Rally, raising funds for the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Cancer campaign.

The 34-year-old has spent months preparing his 1993 Volkswagen Golf for the 3,000 mile trip, with help from colleagues at Keith Garages Volkswagen in Aylesbury.

It’s not the first time Richard has raised money for the charity by driving in the Scally Rally. Last year he raised £850 during the rally in Ireland.

He said: “I am really looking forward to racing again this year. It is an organised bit of fun that allows like-minded people to enjoy a scenic drive and a holiday as well as raising money for charity.

“I’ve had great support from everyone at Keith Garages and I hope to raise even more money than last year.”

The race, which runs from Calais to Brescia via Zurich, Ferrara and Rome normally has one rule - contestants cannot spend more than £100 on a car. It attracts more than 50 racers each year with the principle being, the oldest and wackiest car, the better.

The Golf, which Richard bought for just £50 is kept at the Bicester Road retailer where he works.

Derek Mills, Managing Director at Keith Garages, said: “Richard has been raising money for charity for a few years now and what better way to do it.

“He spends a lot of time preparing for the event so I’m glad to help out by allowing him use of the facilities to keep the car and complete necessary work. We wish him all the best in this year’s rally.”

The race takes place over four days from the 25-29th June. To sponsor Richard go to http://aycaribe.blogspot.com/ or call into Keith Garages Volkswagen on Bicester Road.

Local lad tackles Leukaemia head on

A local Bromsgrove marketing executive will pound the streets of London this April as he takes part in the 26 mile London Marathon in support of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

Jonjo Rooney (25) was diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease in December 2006. He has since overcome the life-threatening illness and is dedicating his time to raising funds for the worthy cause.

The active fundraiser, who divides his time between his job at Redditch Volkswagen and his charity efforts, has stepped up his training in order to complete his latest challenge.

Speaking from his own experience, Jonjo explains: “After dropping into the hospital on a mid-December evening after feeling very unwell and suffering tremendous back pain, my world was rocked with the biggest of bombshells - I had cancer, leukaemia.

“I was taken to Worcester Royal Hospital the following day where a hospital bed was waiting for me in the hematology ward. From there I was kept in a tightly confined isolated room where treatment began immediately.”

After numerous courses of chemotherapy as well as a bone marrow transplant Jonjo is now in complete remission.

“I am very aware of how important it is to help ensure that many more patients can be as fortunate as me in overcoming this destructive disease.

“The charity relies solely on the generosity of others to help fund clinical trials into treating and beating the disease so I am asking family, friends, and anyone who knows me to give generously.”

Tina Croot, group marketing manager for Redditch Volkswagen, part of the Trust Group UK added: “We are delighted to contribute to Jonjo’s fundraising efforts. He is an inspiration to all leukaemia sufferers. We wish him the very best of luck in his bid to raise £1000.”

To help Jonjo raise funds for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research visit http://www.justgiving.com/jonjo

KIND HEARTED BUSINESS IN THE PINK

A kind hearted business man is getting in the pink after donating £2,500 to Breast Cancer Care.

Andy Bucknall HiQ franchisee for two HiQ centres, Burton-upon-Trent and Crewe, is showing his caring, sharing side after giving the cash to the charity on behalf of the fast fit centre.

HiQ has agreed to donate £2,500 direct to Breast Cancer Care in return for a day at the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship at Oulton Park race track on Sunday May 31.

Andy Bucknall and his team will be given VIP treatment, and will get the chance to invite customers and contacts to the day of racing in return for the kind hearted donation.

Dozens of fundraising activities will also be organized by HiQ throughout the year to coincide with the BTCC calendar, and fast fitters across the HiQ network will be encouraged to take part in as many events as possible to swell the coffers at Breast Cancer Care.

Andy Bucknall said the charity was the perfect fit for HiQ, as it reached out to a family audience – many of whom are wary of visiting fast fit centres, and are dissatisfied with the service given to them.

He said: “We are all extremely excited with our partnership with Breast Cancer Care and the opportunities that exist with the charity.

“We think the charity fits perfectly with what we are trying to achieve at HiQ. Not only is it close to all of our hearts, but no fast fit company reaches into the family market to help remove the intimidation associated with the fast fit sector.

The charity donation marks the start of a new era at HiQ Burton, after the centre was re-launched in March this year.

Andy Bucknall added: “We have conducted a great deal of research before opening the new store. Our research highlighted what the industry has suspected for a long time. On the whole customers find visiting a fast fit outlet to be a negative experience for several reasons.

“Centres are seen as dirty, unwelcoming and confusing; prices are unclear with quotes invariably increasing once a job has been carried out and customers feel they have no control over appointment times, waiting times and choice of product.

“HiQ is designed to place the customer at the heart of the experience utilizing the following features: Clearly signed forecourt and parking area; modern, clean, welcoming reception area; menu boards with all pricing clearly identified and information clearly displayed and written in non-confusing jargon free language.”

The Burton-upon-Trent and Crewe HiQ centres were purchased in March 2009 by South Cheshire Tyre & Exhaust Ltd, which specialises in all sections of the motor industry including service and MOT centres and tyre and exhaust centres.

For more information about HiQ visit HiQ online.

BTCC Personalities in Strawberry Drive

Four of the top BTCC drivers are lending their support to HiQ’s record attempt to create the world’s largest Strawberry Tea supporting Breast Cancer Care.

Up to 30,000 sweet toothed people are expected to help break a world record when they take part in the day of strawberry eating at the HiQ British Touring Car Championship at Oulton Park on 31 May.

Drivers James Thompson, Jason Plato, Fabrizio Giovanardi and Matt Neal will be joining race-goers in helping to grow funds for the national charity by eating a punnet of strawberries.

HiQ, official sponsors of the motor racing series, are trying to raise as much money as possible for Breast Cancer Care and have come up with the idea of creating the biggest ‘strawberry tea’ event ever seen.

So it will be a case of strawberry fields forever at the Cheshire race circuit when thousands of pieces of fruit are brought in for people to buy – with a splash of cream.

Visit http://www.hiqonline.co.uk/btcc/news/mouthwateringCharityBonanza/.

VILLAGE CARNIVAL IS SET TO BLOW YOU AWAY

A charity balloon race sponsored by Redditch Volkswagen is the latest exciting event planned for this year’s Astwood Bank Carnival in Redditch.

Hundreds of helium filled balloons will soar into the sky as they are released from a launch pad at the action packed carnival being held on Saturday May 16th.

The owner of the balloon which travels the furthest will receive £250 of vouchers and proceeds from the race, funded by the Volkswagen retailer on Washford Drive will go towards the carnival’s Charity Fund which supports local charities and community projects.

Members of the public are being asked to report any balloon findings. The person who finds the winning balloon will receive a gift voucher for their efforts.

If you would like to support the balloon race or require any further details please contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com