Take a trip to our website or headquarters, and probably one thing will spring to mind. Cars. And you’re not wrong. Putting the people of York behind the wheel of a great rental vehicle is what we do, but it’s not all that we do. We believe being part of York’s community means more than simply doing business within it. Our charity efforts give our team the opportunity to come together, challenge ourselves and support causes that make a genuine difference to our city and the people in it.
We want to take a moment to celebrate our most recent fundraising challenge, reveal the grand total and share with our supporters the amazing things their donations will help achieve for one incredible York charity.
Yorkshire three peaks challenge – putting ourselves to the test
When the task of taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks was first brought up in the office, it was met with equal measures of excitement and nervous laughter. And rightfully so, this is no ordinary hike. But we knew that if we wanted to raise big money, we had to think big, so the decision was made.
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge saw our team take on Yorkshire’s three highest peaks; Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. The route covers around 24 miles of challenging terrain and more than 3,000 feet of ascent, all within the traditional 12-hour target.
The team taking on the challenge was Cameron Hamblin, Gareth Bottomley, Nicola Ford, Simon Benson, Fraser Maclean, Andy Murray, Robin Page, Nigel and Alex Hudson, with Nigel and Alex joining us from outside Autohorn.
It was certainly an arduous day, with plenty of jelly legs, burning lungs and tired feet along the way. But it was also full of laughs, incredible views and a few stories that will no doubt be brought up for years to come. Just don’t ask Gareth about his toenails!
Despite the tough route, steep climbs and long miles, and indecisive weather, the team pushed through to complete the challenge and, most importantly, raise an outstanding £4,580 for charity.
It’s amazing how focusing on a worthy cause can push you to dig just that little bit deeper, and every aching muscle was worth it knowing that the team’s efforts would make a difference. Raising the money is only the beginning; now the fun bit seeing what it will help achieve.
A huge shoutout to Lee Heald, who took on an equally important role as the team’s driver, getting us from point to point, endlessly boosting morale and getting us all home safely again.
Supporting OSCAR’s children’s charity
“I honestly don’t know how we would have done it without OSCAR’s”
It’s be brilliant to see the money that our Yorkshire 3 Peak challenge raised, and we wanted you to know exactly where it’s going and the great stuff it will be able to achieve. This climb was all in aid of York children’s charity OSCAR’s, working with families devastated by the diagnosis of a childhood brain tumour in their family. The money raised will help support the vital work that they do from funding dedicated support officers, to rehabilitation, mental health support as well as community outreach and education.
Heads Together
A brain tumour can take a huge toll on a child’s body, often requiring ongoing care, advice and practical support tailored to the individual needs of each child and family. Through OSCAR’s Heads Together programme children can receive the best rehabilitative care from physiotherapy and speech therapy to one-to-one swimming lessons and adapted bikes. The money also helps fund emergency accommodation for families during hospital stays, helping to keep families together when they need each other most.
“These are the go-to people if your child is diagnosed with a brain tumour.”
Life Line
A brain tumour doesn’t only have physical repercussions. Another important part of OSCAR’s work is their Life Line programme, supporting the mental health of children and families struck by a childhood brain tumour. Through dedicated counselling for children incorporating play, art and food therapy we can help young people and parents make sense of what’s to come. Together we navigate the emotional challenges of treatment, from anxiety and survivor’s guilt to trauma, bereavement and anticipatory grief.
“They have helped me so much to process my feelings and talk about my brain tumour.”
Going the extra mile
OSCAR’s charity was all started by one little boy from York diagnosed with a brain tumour who wanted to do all that he could to help others sharing his position. A tumour doesn’t just effect one person but everyone that person is connected to be it parents and siblings or friends and teachers. OSCAR’s is here to support them all. From thoughtful Booster Boxes that bring smiles even in the darkest times, to Oscar’s Classroom working directly with schools, helping teachers understand what a child and their classmates may be going through. These personal, thoughtful touches make sure no one has to face the journey alone.
“I’ll never forget how they made me feel. I am not too sure whether I would be here now without them.”
The £4,580 raised through our Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge will be able to touch so many different lives in our community and we are so thankful to be able to support OSCAR’s as they make a family’s painful journey that little bit easier. Thank you so much to everyone who sponsored.
What’s next on the cards?
After taking on the brutal Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, we’re giving our legs, a well-earned chance to recover. It was a huge challenge, but one that proved just how much can be achieved when a team comes together for a great cause. For now, the calendar is challenge-free, but that certainly doesn’t mean the fundraising stops.
Thankfully, our next in-office charity event requires considerably less training. We’re thinking a nice, relaxing bake sale is always a welcome opportunity to raise money for a good cause. Plus, eating cake doesn’t require rigorous preparation or nice weather!
So, what will the next big fundraising challenge be? For now, we’re not quite sure, but after completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, we know we’ll need to come up with something pretty ambitious to beat it.
Watch this space. We have a feeling someone in the office is already thinking of something crazy, and if history has taught us anything, we’ll probably be crazy enough to say yes!
