Driving challenge raises £25,000

Shropshire women geared up for a driving challenge at the weekend and raised £25,000 for a cancer charity.

HGVs, road-sweepers, a steam roller and a fire engine were just some of the vehicles on offer at the annual Ladies' Driving Challenge, which was held at RAF Cosford on Sunday.

The event attracted more than 180 women who were given the chance to try out each different type of vehicle.

Alison Marsh, from Marie Curie Cancer Care, hailed the event a huge success.

She said: "It was really, really good. The ladies raised £25,000.

"It was divided into seven zones. There's different vehicles. We are dependent on the generosity of local vehicles suppliers."

"We had lots of different types of HGVs, a JCB, a steam roller and a fire engine and skip lorries. People get to have a drive of each type.

"It was an all-day event, the ladies could choose if they took part in the morning or the afternoon. We had people from all over Shropshire, from north to the south of the county."

Mrs Marsh added they had had great feedback, with people saying they had an excellent day and enjoyed every minute.

It was the first time the event was held in Cosford, having been held at RAF Shawbury in previous years.

Vehicles were provided by the military, fire service and private companies and skilled help and tuition was available for women to try them out in safe and controlled conditions.

The charity is planning to stage the event in Shropshire again next year, although the location is still to be confirmed.

For more details call (01352) 754596. Participants are asked to pay £10 to enter and have to raise a minimum of £100 for the charity.

Marie Curie Nurses provide high quality nursing care for free, making it possible for terminally ill patients to stay at home, rather then go into hospital.

Pictured: Lisa Greatorex