Lady drivers have raised a staggering £20,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity after taking part in the Ladies' Driving Challenge at Newark Showground at the weekend.

The figure has smashed last year's total of £15,000, giving a welcome boost to the charity which offers rehabilitation treatment and therapy to firefighters, support staff and their families.

Over 100 participants got behind the wheel of a range of exciting and challenging vehicles, including tractors, HGVs, Landrovers, fire engines and a tank. They each raised at least £100 in sponsorship, with many raising considerably more than the minimum requirement.

This was the second time that Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has hosted the event and organisers say they are amazed at the level of support from local people, including the many businesses who supplied vehicles free of charge. A number of companies also provided sponsorship.

Chief Fire Officer Frank Swann, who is also the Regional Co-ordinator for The Fire Fighters Charity, said: "I am absolutely thrilled with the amount of money raised by this year's Ladies' Driving Challenge and would like to extend my sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part - the participants themselves, our sponsors and vehicle suppliers and the many members of NFRS staff who volunteered their own time to help out on the day.

"In these difficult times it is encouraging to see the level of dedication and commitment that people are prepared to give for the benefit of the charity. I hope that everyone involved had a fantastic day and we look forward to welcoming even more participants to next year's challenge."    

 

Photo: Lilian Greenwood, the MP for Nottingham South, behind the wheel of one of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service's Scania fire appliances

 

Posted October 4th, 2011 at 1505 by Andrew. Comment by emailing: andrew.lynch@pavpub.com