Challenge is a family affair
Four members of the same family are gearing up for the drive of their lives this autumn after being inspired to show their support for injured firefighters and their families.
Max Sturman, a firefighter at Collingham Fire Station, has enlisted support from his mum Sandy Sturman, sister Kim Sturman, aunt Julie McMillan and girlfriend Robyn Lavey to take part in the Ladies Driving Challenge at Newark Showground on 30 September. The event will see them climbing aboard a range of weird and wonderful vehicles such as a tank, heavy goods vehicle, 4x4 and, of course, a fire engine to put their driving skills to the test while raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity.
Max, who lives in Collingham, has been a volunteer for the Ladies Driving Challenge for the past three years and is also the charity co-ordinator for The Fire Fighters Charity at Collingham Fire Station.
He said: “My family were very keen to support the Ladies Driving Challenge because of my work as a firefighter and the fact that one day it might be me that needs the charity’s help. All four of them do loads for charity as my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years back. Fortunately she is now in remission but they have continued to take part in various fundraising events such as skydives and the Race For Life.
“As the co-ordinator for The Fire Fighters Charity at Collingham Fire Station I like to do my bit with the rest of the watch and raise as much money as possible - I think doing stuff for charity must be in the blood!”
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is hoping to raise a massive £30,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity with this year’s ladies Driving Challenge, after raising a combined total of £35,000 with the last two years’ events.
Participants can secure their place with a £10 deposit, and must raise a minimum of a further £90 for the charity.
Station Manager Mark Mortimore, who is the regional co-ordinator for The Fire Fighters Charity in the East Midlands, said: “The Ladies’ Driving Challenge has proved extremely popular in previous years and is a great way of getting together with family and friends, celebrating a special birthday or anniversary, or simply giving yourself something different and challenging to do.
“There’s also the satisfaction of knowing that the charity is benefitting too.”
To register or to find out more visit www.firefighterscharity.org.uk or contact Lea-Anne Abbiss on 0115 967 5896.
