Test your driving skills for charity
Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service is encouraging people to have a go at driving something a bit different whilst raising money for charity.
On Sunday 2nd September, Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service is providing a fun filled day at the Fire Service College to give men and women a once in a lifetime opportunity to drive a variety of large and unusual vehicles in a 'driving challenge'.
Participants will be able to try their hand at manoeuvring a range of different vehicles including: fire engines, police cars and ambulances, JCBs, articulated lorries, buses, coaches and possibly even a tank, all kindly donated by local organisations.
It will also be an ideal opportunity for people to meet their local fire fighters.
Event organiser Mike Parraton, said: "The challenge promises to be an exciting day, with a chance to drive a fantastic collection of vehicles."
"Other types of driving events can be uncomfortable competition with an emphasis on speed."
"The challenge is much more relaxed with the focus on handling vehicles with skill and enjoying new experiences, as well as having fun and raising money for a good cause."
"Behind the fun, there is a very serious message that we are supporting those heroic firefighters who risk their lives for us."
"When they run into a burning building, there is always the real risk of serious injury, and when the worst happens it's not only the fire fighters who suffer, but also their families."
"The Fire Fighters Charity is the only one dedicated to supporting the fire fighters and their families in times of need and helping to speed their recovery back to operational duty."
All men and women over the age of 17 with a full driving licence are welcome to join in the fun during either the morning or afternoon sessions.
Registration costs £10 and entrants are asked to raise a minimum of £90 in sponsorship.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Fire Fighters Charity.
Geoff Sallis, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, said: "I'm sure this will be a fantastic day. "
"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for everyone who takes part and should raise a lot of money for a really worthwhile cause. "
"We are more than happy to support it. "
Councillor Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for communities, said: "Why not register yourself or sign one of your friends or family up and give them a present they will never forget? "
"It sounds like a fun day out and your gift will also provide much-needed funds to a charity that supports the firefighters who risk their lives for us and their families."
To take part in the driving challenge, entrants should request a registration pack from Mike on tel: 07717 895424 or register online: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/ldc
ENDS
Notes to Newseditors:
The Fire Fighters Charity offers support to all fire service personnel and their families during times of need, by providing services such as therapy and recuperation facilities.
More than 13,000 beneficiaries are supported annually by the charity.
For more useful safety education resources, why not visit the education resource centre pages of the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership website
More information about the charity is available here: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk
Contact: Mike Perraton, tel: 07717 895424.
Issued by: Laura Biddington, Gloucestershire County Council Media Team, 01452 425226, laura.biddington@gloucestershire.gov.uk
You can follow Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service on www.facebook.com/glosfire or www.twitter.com/glosfire You can also follow our Chief Fire Officer on www.twitter.com/glosfirechief
30th July 2012