A team of Cumbrian firefighters will be spurred on round the course of the world-famous Red Bull Soapbox Race by its biggest fan, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year.
Kyle Rotheram, 33, and four colleagues from Whitehaven White Watch have spent the past few months building a vehicle to take part in the wacky race after being inspired to take part by Kyle’s daughter Tilly Mae, 11, a huge fan of the race, which will take place in London today, Sunday.
The team is raising funds for the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle where Tilly Mae is undergoing treatment, in recognition of the care it gives to children from across the north of England.
The community has rallied round for the cause and donated time and money to ensure the team could construct a soapbox, the Prattle Bus, to compete in the race this weekend.
Engineers at local firm Forth shared their knowledge and expertise to help the team construct the soapbox, with Travis Perkins providing all materials. Shepley Engineers has provided a mini bus to assist with travel, and HCS Water Treatment, with Glenrental Vehicle Hire, is providing a van and covering all fuel costs to transport the soapbox.
Local gym Eat Train Live has also organised numerous events to help boost the total.
Kyle said: “It’s been stressful at times but it’s been a really great project and the support from local businesses and the community has been amazing, particularly at a time when a lot are struggling with the cost of living crisis.
“We would never have got this project off the ground if it wasn’t for the team at Forth and then to get the support from so many other businesses means we can go to the Red Bull Soapbox Race and have a really great time and try to raise even more money for an amazing hospital.
“When you have a child being treated there you see that all the staff are absolutely amazing. They make sure they do all they can for the children so that it doesn’t feel like a hospital environment. They make sure it’s not a scary place.
“Because Tilly Mae is a huge fan of the race, this is something we really wanted to do for her, and we are excited to take part after all the hard work we have put in to get the vehicle ready. Tilly Mae said she wants us to crash as that would be ‘hilarious’.”
Kyle said the support of local firms has been crucial to enabling the team to participate in the race.
Staff members at Forth have volunteered time and expertise over the months, and are delighted to have played a part in the fundraising efforts.
Ben Telford, the engineering manager at Forth, said: “It’s always good to give something back to the community and, for a cause like this, we didn’t think twice about sharing our knowledge and experience with the team. We wish them the best of luck at the weekend and we look forward to seeing how they get on.”
More than £8,000 has already been raised in Tilly Mae’s name, with the fundraising page to remain open.
