Glenavy woman takes up the ‘Ladies Driving Challenge’

Patricia is taking part along with her seven strong team from St John Ambulance. The team are all qualified Emergency Transport Attendants with St John who regularly put their training and skills to use at motorsports events and other public gatherings.

However, the girls also undertake patient transport duties and signed up after being involved in the transporting of patients to and from the Marie Curie Hospice in Belfast and seeing first hand the fantastic care and support provided there.

“We all wanted to help out that little bit more and decided to take part in a fundraising event to help keep this fantastic service going,” explained Patricia. “I have taken part in the Ladies Driving Challenge in the past and really enjoyed it. When I told the other girls about the event they all jumped at the chance to sign up. As well as getting a chance to drive such unusual vehicles, the competitive side to the day adds that extra edge of excitement.

“Our fundraising has been going really well and all of our friends and family have been very generous. One of our team even organised a Cake Sale to help reach her sponsorship target. It is great to know that, while we are having a great experience, we are also providing more hours of nursing care to terminally ill patients in our own local communities. A few of our team have had personal experiences of cancer and know how needed this service is at such a difficult time.

“We would encourage all local ladies to join us and get involved in the event! Spread the word around friends, family or work colleagues– places are limited so don’t wait.”

The Driving Challenge will take place at Kirkistown Racing Circuit on October 13. For more information or to sign up, please call 0845 052 4184 or log onto www.mariecurie.org.uk/adrenaline and get sponsored for the drive of your life. Registration costs £10 and minimum sponsorship is £100. All participants must have held a full driving license for more than a year to take part.