It’s no secret that we love cars at Autohorn. Getting people behind the wheel of the right vehicle is what we do best. But for us, it’s about more than just car hire.
We’re proud to be part of our incredible community in York. Whether it’s sponsoring local sports teams, supporting charities or getting involved in fundraising challenges, we’re always looking for ways to do our bit for the place we call home.
We’re thinking big this year and putting the Autohorn team up to their biggest challenge to date, all in the name of a good cause.
OSCAR’s: Supporting a Yorkshire children’s charity
This year, we’re incredibly excited to be teaming up with OSCAR’s, a Yorkshire children’s charity dedicated to supporting families affected by childhood brain tumours.
The charity was set up in memory of Oscar Hughes, a truly remarkable 9-year-old from York. Even while facing a year-long battle with a brain tumour, Oscar showed incredible courage and determination, managing to raise thousands of pounds to help other children. He had a heart and spirit far beyond his years, and his bravery inspired everyone around him.
The name OSCAR stands for ongoing, support, care, awareness and research, reflecting the charity’s mission to improve the lives of children facing brain tumours and to support their families through some of the toughest times.
OSCAR’s Charity provides practical, emotional and financial support tailored to each family’s needs. This can include funding specialist equipment, physiotherapy, counselling, and even delivering personalised ‘booster boxes’ to bring a little joy to children going through treatment.
On top of that, the charity raises awareness of the signs and symptoms of childhood brain tumours and funds vital research into better treatments and outcomes.
Oscar was extraordinary, and his courage continues to inspire us. We’re truly honoured to be helping carry the torch for his legacy, supporting families, bringing hope and keeping his spirit alive across Yorkshire.
Taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge
To raise money for OSCAR’s Charity, and to provide vital support for those children and families in need, we’re taking on the Yorkshire three Peaks Challenge. We’ll be ditching the wheels, donning the walking boots and hiking 24 miles of mountain to raise funds for these important causes.
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is one of the most iconic walking challenges in the UK. It covers a 24-mile circular route across the Yorkshire Dales, taking on the three famous peaks of
- Pen-y-ghent (694m)
- Whernside (736m)
- Ingleborough (723m)
We would love to think it will be a walk in the park, but this will be no easy ride. The Yorkshire three peaks challenge route is designed to be completed in under 12 hours, with more than 5,000 feet of total ascent as you navigate steep climbs, rugged trails and sheep. However, we’re promised breathtaking scenery, from limestone valleys to rolling moorland.
Training is already underway, albeit at different stages, some are already hitting the gym getting out into the wilderness and stretching their legs for the team, with plenty of early mornings, long walks and muddy boots as everyone prepares for the big day.
We’ll be sharing updates as training continues and the big day gets closer, so keep an eye out to follow the journey.
Get involved and support the cause
We’re incredibly excited for the challenge, and we’d love you to join us in supporting this amazing cause. There are a few ways you can get involved:
- Sponsor our team: every step we take on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge route will help raise funds for the OSCAR’s Charity and you can donate at our JustGiving page here. Your support makes a real difference.
- Donate directly: if you’d like to support OSCAR’s Charity you can do so at their website here. Donations go directly to helping families, children, and local communities across Yorkshire.
- Follow the journey: keep up with our team’s training, fundraising updates and the big challenge day by following us on our social channels.
Every contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a difference in the lives of children, families and communities across Yorkshire. Please donate via our Just Giving page if you can.
Honouring Richard Baines’ Legacy
At the core of our fundraising efforts is one man, Autohorn co-founder Richard Baines. The Richard Baines Foundation was launched in Richard’s memory in September as part of our 30th birthday celebrations and is driven by his strong belief in supporting people, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for those around him.
With already £1 million from donations and fundraising, the foundation continues that legacy by supporting three key areas that mattered most to him:
- Health: helping charities and organisations provide access to quality health and wellbeing services.
- Education: supporting initiatives that give young people the best possible start in life.
- Community development: funding projects that bring people together and empower local communities.
We couldn’t be prouder of the fact that, thanks to the foundation that now shares his name, Richard’s values will continue to benefit our community. What
Makes the Richard Baines Foundation Unique
One of the things that makes the Richard Baines Foundation so special is the people behind it.
At the heart of the foundation are the employees and friends of Autohorn Fleet Services who continue to raise funds which enables charities to apply for vital grants. Half of the foundation’s donations are directed through staff nominations giving the team the chance to champion organisations that have made a difference in their lives and communities.
It’s a simple but powerful idea that keeps the foundation closely connected to the community and the causes that matter most to us. So far, we’ve donated to over 150 charities of all shapes and sizes, and we are only just getting started.
