Driving day raises more than £50,000 for local charities
Around 100 people with their super cars took part in a charity Driving Day, the first event of its kind in Derbyshire, organised by The Star Trust.
The event, which set out to raise money for #ChallengeDerbyshire, a fundraising initiative which supports three local north Derbyshire based charities including Ashgate Hospicecare (70%), Blythe House Hospice (20%) and Helen’s Trust (10%), started at Thornbridge Hall near Bakewell with a scenic drive through the Peak District. Drivers paid to enter and additional funds were raised through a charity auction and raffle, bringing the total raised on the day to £53,000.
Steve Hampson, Chairman of The Star Trust, said:-
“We are proud to be involved with Challenge Derbyshire and supporting local charities as we do. The events we hold are huge fun, populated by some truly amazing and generous people. This great result has now meant that The Star Trust has donated £435,000 to 39 East Midlands based charities.”
Paul Beedham from Derbyshire, said:-
“My good friend Pat Musgrave is on the board of The Star Trust and his business P&D is a #ChallengeDerbyshire business club member and he knew I had had personal experience of Ashgate Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust. When he told me about the day I was delighted to sign up. Six years ago my wife, Bridget, was diagnosed with a primary brain tumour and it was terminal. She came home after treatment and Ashgate put in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Counselling for her, myself and our children who were just 7 and 9 years old. Helen’s Trust put in a stair lift so that she could come downstairs and be with the family. She lasted 10 months and thanks to Ashgate Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust we were able to make the most of the time we had.
“So when Pat asked me to take part I jumped at it and it has been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to do so. Both Bridget and I were keen on our cars and I brought my car after she died as I thought life is too short. We’ve had a great day and I can’t thank them enough.”
The money raised from the day will pay for specialist equipment at the three charities.
David Hopkins, #ChallengeDerbyshire founder and CEO of Markovitz, said:-
“We are so indebted to The Star Trust for choosing us as their partner for the event. The fact that we were able to raise such a fantastic amount in one day is a huge boost as we strive to hit our ambitious target of one million pounds. As always, thanks must go to the #ChallengeDerbyshire Business Club members who once again came out in force to ensure that every pound donated goes directly to our three amazing charities. Particular thanks must go to Emma and Jim Harrison for giving up their beautiful home for the day, as well as feeding a hundred guests so lavishly.”
