Driver training business raises over £3,000 for Mission Motorsport in two years

Mission Motorsport and Alder Hey Children’s Charity to receive over £3,000 raised by CAT Driver Training’s unique fundraising efforts. Since 2019, the Bedfordshire based driver training business has given over £10,000 to six different charities, including £ 3,056.61 to Mission Motorsport.

The pandemic and more recently, the cost-of-living crisis, has resulted in charities struggling with a lack of funding and volunteers at a time when their support is needed more than ever. CAT Driver Training utilises their social media and dynamic driving expertise to create two fundraising initiatives. This year they’ve raised £1,863.06 for Alder Hey Children’s Charity and £1,258.40 for Mission Motorsport.

Evidence-based experts, CAT Driver Training, deliver bespoke training tailored to all aspects of driving: Road, Track, Race & the Motor Industry. Their varied client base includes car enthusiasts, racing drivers, motor industry engineers and driverless car developers.

Since it’s conception twenty years ago, CAT owners, Jo and Colin Hoad have always looked to give back and support charity. In 2019 they started a new initiative nicknamed ‘CAT Smiles’. Every time a client agrees to have their photo taken for social media; CAT donates £5 into a custom smashable Charity Pot.

CAT Driver Training co-owner Jo Hoad explains: “Just before Christmas it was our pleasure to reveal the 2022 ‘CAT Smiles’ total. Facebook followers tuned in to our live broadcast as I smashed the pot, revealing the total sum raised.”

Each client participating in the initiative was put into a draw to decide who would choose the receiving charity.  Sam Klein was the happy decision maker. His choice was Alder Hey Children’s Charity, a cause with personal meaning.

After being chosen at random, driving enthusiast Sam Klein said: “I have chosen to donate the money to Alder Hey as when I was around 3 years old, I had PDA which is where the heart needs a new valve. The care given to me and my parents was faultless. As this was a traumatic time for myself and my family, the staff and surgeons could not do more to put as ease, but also the severity of other patients’ conditions really showed the love, care and support this hospital and their staff give to others. Having this opportunity, there is no other charity I felt fitting for this donation other than Alder Hey!”

Alder Hey Children’s Charity raises vital funds for Alder Hey Children's Hospital. The charity is currently appealing for support to build a specialist Neonatal unit for poorly new-borns.

Alder Hey Community Fundraiser, Sarah Bennett adds: “We are absolutely thrilled that Sam chose Alder Hey Children’s Charity to be the recipient of the funds collected from CAT Driver Training. The funds will go towards making Alder Hey Children's Hospital a truly world-class, patient-friendly hospital for the 330,000 patients and families we care for every year. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed over the past year.”

In addition to their client photo initiative, CAT Driver Training identified an additional opportunity to give back using a book they wrote for Track Day enthusiasts.

Jo continued: “After supporting Mission Motorsport for a number of years, we’ve witnessed first-hand the benefit of their inspirational work, supporting veteran soldiers. In 2021 we launched CAT’s first publication - ‘Your Track Day Guide’. It was always our plan to donate the profits of this book to a worthy cause - Mission Motorsport felt like the natural choice.

“It’s our pleasure to continue donating the sales of our book to such a worthy cause. The total £1258.40 raised comprises all profits from book sales on Amazon, as well as copies purchased by clients directly at CAT HQ. A second Charity Pot contained the full value of these direct purchases, gifted by CAT.”

Mission Motorsport, supports ex-service men and women by providing opportunities in motorsport and the automotive industry. They have so far helped over 2,000 veterans gain employment after leaving the military.

James Cameron, Founder and CEO of Mission Motorsport had this to say: "As a charity we've never been busier, and so we are incredibly grateful to the CATDT team and community for the support for our work helping service leavers, veterans and their families. What's more, the book is a brilliant resource to help people get the most from their track days. We've used it ourselves to help guide those joining thriving communities on circuit."

Jo Hoad concludes: "The entire CAT team, along with our clients, are lifted at the amounts raised both this and previous years.  In what is still a challenging environment, we are pleased to be able to support two charities, both of which are much in need. A positive way to see out 2022."