Wheel women

HUNDREDS of women were encouraged to put their foot down at the weekend, and not because the dreaded Premiership kicked off, but because they faced the challenge of driving a variety of thrilling vehicles at high speeds.

One hundred and sixty women raised £25,600 for Marie Curie Cancer Care on Saturday as they buckled up and sped off around RAF Colerne in fire engines, double-decker buses and HGVs for the Ladies Driving Challenge.

Fundraising manager, Sophie Kinsman said: "It's absolutely fantastic. We're really delighted. That amount of money will do so well for us. It will all go to the Bristol and Wiltshire area, which is wonderful."

She said: "The money will pay for over 1,700 hours of nursing, which will be so worthwhile. It means that families can stay at home with each other in their last few days or weeks, which is where they want to be after the treatment they have been through."

For the tenth annual event, experienced drivers helped the women get to grips with some of the most unusual and challenging vehicles they will ever drive.

Lisa Lewis of Chippenham raised over £100 for Marie Curie, she said: "I'm here today because family and friends have been affected by cancer, and it's a very good challenge.

"I've driven an HGV so I feel like I can do anything now!"

Ms Kinsman said: "The ladies have surpassed themselves, not only with their driving skills, but also with their fundraising skills.

"Each and every one has done really well. At the end of the day the purpose of the event is for everyone to enjoy themselves and to raise much needed funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. We are thrilled to say that both were achieved."

Each contender paid a £10 entry fee and was asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship before they could take part. Each woman could try any vehicle as many times as she wanted.

There were many different types of vehicles to drive and operate, most of which the women would probably never have dreamed of driving before.

The RAF base was split into five areas with over £1 million worth of vehicles on site, including cement mixers, a monster truck, an ambulance and a combine harvester.

"This is the second time I've done it," said Margaret Shellard, 59, of Bitton. "But it has meant more to me this time. I lost my husband to cancer four months ago.

"The driving challenge is something you can do to raise money for a good cause and enjoy at the same time.

"Reversing the HGV was fantastic."

"I've got family and friends that have had cancer," said Sarah Bailey, of Chippenham. "Today is a real challenge, it's exciting. I wanted to go faster in the HGV and I'm hoping to drive the fire engine. It's something for the girls. My kids think it's great what I'm doing."

Katherine Pugh, 24 of Chippenham said: "I raise money and do a lot of voluntary work for Marie Curie but today is personal because my boyfriend's dad died of cancer.

"I passed my driving test last year but I've been unwell so I've only been driving for the last two months. Driving the fire engine was great but it's still quite nerve-wracking."

Friends Kim Callaway, 28, of Chippenham and Kerri Cheadle, 27, of Corsham completed the challenge together and raised over £200 between them. Ms Callaway said: "My husband's uncle died recently and a few young relatives have died at such an early age. I've got grandparents who have had cancer and survived it.

"I wanted to do something in the memory of people who I've known and family and friends who I've lost."

Miss Cheadle is a nurse at the A&E in Bath and works at the Bradford on Avon Health Centre, so she knows a lot of people who have had cancer. She said: "My boyfriends mum died two years ago of cancer and I give to cancer charities a lot, but today is great fun, it's a girls day out."

Ms Kinsman added: "So many people came along and we want to make sure everyone is thanked.

"I must send out a huge thank you to all the volunteers on the day as well. Over 80 people from all over Wiltshire, Bristol & Bath turned out to help register and marshal the event. This was fantastic! We could not hold events like this without the generosity of such people who will give up their Saturday to help us."