AN ANDOVER charity teamed up with a nearby race circuit to help members of the public enjoy a recent event - while raising awareness and funds for its community transport service.

Unity Transport and Mobility teamed up with the Historic Thruxton event last weekend, to offer scooter hire over the weekend. As well as this, on the Sunday (June 12), the charity’s transport team volunteer drivers took to the track during the Church Break, offering the public the chance to see the whole track from the comfort of the minibus.

They were also entertained by the in-bus live commentary from one of the staff, who had taken time to read up on the history of the track, learn the names of the corners and incorporate interesting snippets of information about famous drivers.

The partnership has allowed Unity Transport to raise awareness of the importance of community transport, but also the need to recruit more volunteer drivers to support local communities with the valuable service.

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Any funds raised go straight back to help support the service so that it can continue to reach the more rural communities that it serves.

Stuart McAuliffe, transport manager for Unity, said: “We were absolutely delighted to have been given the opportunity to once again run trips around the Thruxton circuit. This not only raised additional funds for our community transport but also provided a wonderful opportunity for our volunteer drivers to drive around the circuit.

“They have all worked so hard for us over the last couple of years and seeing them enjoy the day and having so much fun whilst taking members of the public for their trips was great to see.”

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The scooter hire has been successful over previous years at not only the Historic, but British Touring Cars events. It is a valuable service allowing the less able to attend where they may not otherwise be able to attend or stay the whole day.

Each day was supported not only by staff from both services, but by Unity registered volunteers, giving them a chance to get involved in something a little bit different, and enjoy the thrills of the Thruxton event.

Terry Bishop, CEO of Unity, added: “We are very lucky to have built up a good relationship with Thruxton over the years, in allowing us to attend these events.

“As a charity, it is a way of raising awareness and extra funds to support our services in the community.

“Our thanks must go to Thruxton, and Lorne Mitchener the events manager who makes it happen for us every year.”

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