Women put their pedal to the metal for Ladies Driving Challenge in Bovingdon (From Watford Observer)

Women put their pedal to the metal for Ladies Driving Challenge in Bovingdon

4:17pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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Female adrenaline-junkies burnt serious rubber on Mothering Sunday as they test drove fire engines and ambulances as part of a Ladies Driving Challenge.

One hundred and fifty women put their pedal to the metal at Bovingdon Airfield to raise money for Grove House Hospice and the Firefighters' Charity.

Watford Observer reporter Amie Mulderrig joined the action.

Fire engines, double-decker buses, articulated lorries, ambulances, 4x4 off-road vehicles and even tractors were put through their paces by thrill-seeking females, to help raise £21,000 for charity.

The Ladies Driving Challenge is organised so that women can test drive five different vehicles on a course for a minimum sponsorship of £90.

All money raised goes to Grove House Hospice, which provides care for those with cancer or life threatening illness, and the Firefighters’ Charity, an organisation which aids injured and retired firefighters.

First up, a fire engine, and instructed by fireman Bob Kettle from Hemel Hempstead’s brigade, I careered down the airstrip at approximately 60-miles-per-hour, swerving manically to avoid crashing into traffic cones and the fence.

Following that was an Arriva double-decker bus, complete with passengers; an articulated lorry carrying several tonnes; and a 1970s tractor - which I managed to reverse in a circle for a few minutes before an instructor realised I couldn’t stop it.

By late afternoon, it was time to climb aboard an off-road Land Rover 4x4, where I met mother and daughter team Linda and Katie McIntyre.

Katie, 22, from St George’s Drive, Carpenders Park, said: “I brought my mum along today to celebrate Mother’s Day.

“We’ve had an absolutely fantastic afternoon. We have family members who are firefighters, so taking part is really important – the Firefighters’ Charity is a great cause and we managed to raise £150 each to take part in the challenge.

"My boyfriend was panicking that I’d be allowed to drive the vehicles on the road. He was relieved when he found out it would be in a controlled environment.”

The three of us, accompanied by an instructor, took it in turns to drive up steep, muddy embankments, each relieved by the end that we had made it out in one piece.

Mark Cheshire, from Borehamwood fire station, who organised the event, said: “A lot of hard work goes into this, but it’s a really fantastic day and I like to think the women taking part really enjoy themselves.

“A massive thank you to all the companies and individuals that lent their vehicles for the day – Arriva buses, Kane Haulage, Chequered Flag, A1 Limousines, Beds, Herts and Cambs Land Rover, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service.

“Also, Dan Simms, Joanne and Dick Trott for their tractors, Jerry Harris for the mini diggers, and, of course, all the people who helped out on the day.

“I can’t believe how much money we raised, it goes to fantastic causes and I’d like to extend my thanks to all the women who helped us smash last year’s amount by raising £21,000.

“We’re busy planning a September Ladies Driving Challenge, so I look forward to seeing even more women at the starting line later in the year.”