Ladies charity driving day at RAF Portreath (From Falmouth Packet)

Ladies charity driving day at RAF Portreath

2:00pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in News

Lady drivers had the chance to jump behind the wheels of some large and unusual vehicles at the Marie Curie Ladies’ Driving Challenge at RAF Portreath on Sunday.

Whether it was driving HGV’s, bendy buses, fire engines, monster trucks, farm machinery, JCB’s and even the chance to operate crane loading and unloading a car from a lorry, all the drivers raised cash for the cancer charity.

Members from The Cornwall Advanced Motorists guided the ladies through a skills section, checking out their maneuvering and parking skills. Cornwall Council also loaned their Skid Car so that ladies could handle a vehicle in slippery conditions.

Local companies loaned vehicles and instructor drivers for the day and to date a total of £23,000 has been raised which will fund 1,150 hours of Marie Curie Nursing care.

Many ladies took part in memory of loved ones who had personal experience of the Marie Curie Nursing Service and wished to do something positive whilst challenging to help other terminally ill patients.

Local fundraising manager, Lynda Thomas said “I would like to express my thanks to the many companies who helped us host this day. Without their help we would not be able to stage the event. We also had fantastic support from the RAF, the Cornwall Advanced Motorists and over 50 volunteers who helped on registration, catering and marshalling duties.

"The RAF have been so supportive with this annual event and we look forward to returning in 2012 for our 14th challenge.

All funds raised will help Marie Curie Nurses to continue providing a unique service of specialist cancer care in people’s homes, throughout the day or night, 365 days a year. This service is completely free of charge.

There are 30 Marie Curie Nurses working across the county and their presence allows patients to remain in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by loved ones, during the difficult later stages of their lives. The nurses currently care for 50% of cancer patients who die at home