Check out classic cars for charity

A NORTH WEST charity is calling on classic car fans from across the region to get geared up for a motoring extravaganza set to take place in Formby in May 2010.

Jospice, which raises funds for St Joseph's Hospice, based in Thornton, Merseyside, said last Friday (December 11) that it is gearing up to hold a motoring show at St Duke's Park, and is calling on petrolheads old and young to get involved and help create cash for the charity.

"It's early days yet, but I've been encouraged by the positive response of local classic car and bike clubs in the Liverpool and West Lancashire area so far," said Roger Blaxall, Jospice community fundraiser.

"I hope the event, with its 'Best of British' theme, will prove a popular addition to the local classics calendar."

The show, titled Wheels4Jospice, is scheduled to take place in the town on May 3 and according to Jospice has already caught the imagination of car and motorcycle enthusiasts from across the North West.

Mr Blaxall said that among the supporters of the event so far was a club catering for MG owners from across the North West, a collection of owners of Swallow sports cars, which ceased production in the 1950s, and a group of owners of the BSA Bantam motorcycle, produced in Birmingham in the 1950s and 1960s.

However he is hoping to make the show a big success in order to generate as much funding for the charity as possible, and welcomed involvement from any clubs who were keen to display their own cars, motorbikes, or other vehicles.

The event has also gained support from a number of the town's residents, including Sean Brady, Formby parish councillor.

"Jospice is so close to Formby that a lot of people here feel a sense of ownership, and I have to declare my own personal interest in the charity's work, as my daughter works as a doctor in palliative care," he said.

"I fully support charities in organising events like this, and welcome anything that can increase support and raise funds for Jospice."

For more information on the show, or to get involved yourself, contact Jospice fundraising on 0151 932 6026, or e mail roger.blaxall@jospice.org.uk.