Farnham’s first ever Soapbox was a huge success, with thousands of people coming along to watch about 50 soapboxes complete the downhill course, dodging the obstacles and taking on the challenges en-route on their way to the finishing line!
The race took place on Castle Street in Farnham on Sunday 18th August, and was held in aid of local charity Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, which provides supportive and end of life care for patients and families who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, such as cancer. Each soapbox was built by a local group or business, and all were unpowered, relying purely on gravity and a sharp shove off the starting line to move. They gained speed along the route, steering their way through chicanes, gaining height over ramps and trying not to crash! It was a close call (and with a change in the course during lunch) there were two winners; Carlin Motorsport from the morning session and Hoopers and Tutors flying white coats from the afternoon session.
“The Farnham Soapbox was absolutely fantastic and we would like to thank Tony, Miles, Katie, Lee and Bryan for organising such a wonderful community event,” said Charli Quay-Barnham, Community Fundraising Manager at Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care. “Everyone who came along had a brilliant time, and all of the money raised will go directly towards helping fund the care which we provide for local patients and their families.”
Every day, Phyllis Tuckwell supports over 250 patients, relatives and carers – in their own homes, in the community, at the Hospice in Farnham and at the Beacon Centre in Guildford – through medical and nursing care, therapies, counselling, social work advice and practical support. However as the NHS/Government only covers 20% of its costs, it has to raise over £20,000 a day to be able to offer all of its services, which are given free of charge to its patients and their families.
To find out more about other fundraising events which are being held to support Phyllis Tuckwell, visit www.pth.org.uk/event-diary.