A GROUP of car enthusiasts are shifting their fund-raising efforts into top gear with a major event planned for next year.

Calling themselves Because....Grease Monkees childcare practitioner Natalie Merriott and her business partner Daniel Tombs, set up the group in May this year.

It is now run by a dedicated team of people, with the aim of combining a car club with raising money for charity.

Natalie, from Gorse Hill said: “We wanted to do something different, and to try to raise money for good causes on a regular basis. "We thought we’d start locally, and we’ve just secured the venue and date for our first big event, at Swindon Karting at Wroughton on Saturday, April, 8.

"But we plan to expand the group, running events around the country and eventually in Europe, all with the aim of raising funds for charities in the different areas.”

The Wroughton event will be raising money for two good causes, Swindon SANDS (the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) and Cots for Tots. The local SANDS group offers support to bereaved parents in Swindon and surrounding areas, while Cots for Tots raises funds to support Bristol’s Special Care Baby Unit at St Michael’s Hospital.

Now the group is looking for support to make the day a success and raise the maximum amount for charity.

Natalie says: “The karting will be available at a discounted price for everyone but we’re also looking to make the event something for all the family, so we’re hoping to provide fun attractions including bouncy castles, have lots of people selling car-related goods, and to run a raffle – if any company would like to donate a prize we’d be very grateful.

“There’s room for all sorts of stalls, and while we hope there’ll be car club stands and stalls selling car-related products, we’re happy to have craft stalls, games and anything else.”

Being keen on cars might not seem the obvious hobby for someone who works in childcare, but for Natalie it’s been a life-long hobby.

She says: “My dad has always been keen on doing up cars, and I started joining in with him. My partner Daniel is also a car enthusiast and we like nothing better than going to meets to show off our cars. This is just taking it one step further, and helping other people at the same time as enjoying our hobby.”

For furtherdetails and to offer prizes please contact Natalie on nat.becausegreasemonkees@outlook.com.