Charity Grand Prix raises £1,000 for Great North Air Ambulance Service

Business professionals from across the region swapped suits for racing overalls as they took part in Active Chartered Financial Planners’ annual Charity Grand Prix at Teesside Motorsports.

The event, now in its fourth year, saw teams of two and three representing the firm’s clients and  friends compete in a 90-minute endurance race around the karting circuit.

The persistent rain made for some very slippery conditions leading to plenty of spins and skids around the course.

The top three teams each earned a charitable donation, with £1,000 awarded to the winning team, £500 to the runners-up and £250 to the team finishing third.

This year’s winners were Guisborough based chartered accountants, Gresham and Gale, who chose the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) to receive the top prize.

GNAAS is a charitably funded air ambulance service which provides life-saving care throughout the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man.  It is 100% reliant on charitable donations and must therefore raise £9.6m a year to remain operational.

The choice held particular significance for Gresham and Gale partner, Jon Gresham, whose brother was critically injured while riding his mountain bike in Dalby Forest, around 15 years ago, just two days before Christmas. The Great North Air Ambulance Service attended the scene and played a vital role in saving his life.

Jon says “My brother would not have survived if it weren’t for the immediate response of the Great North Air Ambulance Service”

“He graduated from Cambridge University and completed his doctorate in aeronautics and aerospace science at Bath University, going on to start a family and lead a fulfilled life, none of which would have been possible without them.

“They are an amazing charity. The money was never really going to go anywhere else!”

Karl Pemberton, managing director at Active Chartered Financial Planners said: “The Charity Grand Prix has become one of the highlights of our calendar and it is fantastic to see so many of our clients and partners getting involved.

“Knowing that the competition results in donations to worthwhile causes chosen by the winning teams makes the day even more rewarding, and we are delighted to support the Great North Air Ambulance Service with this year’s top prize.”

Emma Maude, community fundraiser from the Great North Air Ambulance Service said: “We are incredibly grateful to Active Chartered Financial Planners and Gresham and Gale for choosing to support us  with their generous donation of £1,000 from  this year’s Charity Grand Prix. and a special thank you to Jon for sharing such a powerful personal story that highlights the vital difference our critical care team makes when every second counts.”

“As a charity that relies on public support, every contribution helps us continue providing life-saving care across the North of England and the Isle of Man.