The Daytona Race Track in Milton Keynes was a hive of activity on Thursday. Sixteen local company teams competed against each other to be first to see the chequered flag, and raised an all-important £1100 for Keech Hospice Care. Their fantastic achievement will help Keech Hospice Care to continue its vital services, palliative care and support for children from across Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, and adults living in Luton and South Bedfordshire.
Supported by Keech Hospice Care’s ambassador, BBC Formula 1 sports presenter, Jake Humphrey, the event was a sell out. The winning team was Cawleys Recycling from Luton (pictured above) which was first across the finishing line. They also clocked the fastest lap of 1 minute 10 seconds. Highlights of the day included a complete 360° spin out due to the wet weather, and one of the contenders, Mick Hubbocks, who has been volunteering with Keech for over 5 years blew out a complete set of tyres at full speed!
The event began with a tasty bacon roll to fuel the competitors then it was down to the track to get kitted up ready for the grid. Sixteen local companies took part including Hitchin based Pentangle Design Group, who came in second place and A D Bly Construction from Old Knebworth, who came in third place. Aaron McSkimming from AD Bly Construction was so delighted with the day that his company has donated an extra £106.75, and Andy Shortland of Shortland Construction donated a further £100 to take the grand total up to £1100 raised on the day – thank you to Aaron, Andy and all the teams that took part!
“It really was a fantastic day, full of fun and team spirit,” said Paul Sutherland, Fundraiser, Keech Hospice Care. “I’d like to thank all the teams who took part, including a team from the hospice itself, for helping us to raise such an amazing amount of much needed funds for the hospice. Eight out of the sixteen companies that took part are new supporters of Keech so it was great to welcome some new faces.”
The Karting event also sparked the interest of Anglia Tonight who joined the teams ahead of the race to interview some contenders about their reasons for taking part. Mark Pollard from Standbridge near Leighton Buzzard, whose daughter uses the services of Keech Hospice Care, told Anglia Tonight, “Keech is just a wonderful, wonderful place. It is days like this that will hopefully raise a lot of money for Keech that is essential to keep them going as they look after a lot of families and children in the local area.”
As promised by Jake Humphrey, the winning team will receive some unique F1 memorabilia. Jake is passionate about the work of Keech Hospice Care and was cheering the teams along from his base in Singapore as he prepares for this week’s Grand Prix!
“I’ve been an ambassador for Keech Hospice Care for two years and I’m always touched by the commitment, dedication and compassion all the staff have for the patients they look after. It really is an amazing place and I’m delighted to be supporting this karting event,” said Jake.
