A day with the Sporting Bears

Article by Jess Breeze | Duchenne Mum | Volunteer

I have worked with my colleague Kim for nearly 5 years, I’ve known she was ‘into her cars’ and I had a vague understanding of a charity she volunteers for called ‘The Sporting Bears.’ When I say vague; cars, shows, charity and kids was the extent of my knowledge until all of that changed on 12^th November when I was lucky enough to see them in action and represent Action Duchenne.

The Sporting Bears is a motor car club with a huge difference. The members are a dedicated group of classic car and sports car enthusiasts with the primary aim – to raise money for children’s charities through their own social, dream rides and touring events, and to support other charitable events.

Kim advised Sporting Bears would be attending the Classic Car Show at the NEC and she would like to nominate Action Duchenne as one of their chosen charities for the event. Well, naturally we screamed a big ‘yes please!!’ and completed the required forms.

Meeting the ‘Bears’

I arrived on the day of the event feeling a bit like a VIP having been provided with a free on-site car parking pass provided by Sporting Bears (if you’ve ever attended the NEC & parked you will appreciate this is like winning a golden ticket). I was greeted by a sea of bright orange fleeces, proudly worn by a huge team of Sporting Bears volunteers which include, drivers, organisers, booking team, support staff & many more – oh and not forgetting their very own Stig, who stays in character for the whole weekend.

After a tour of the cars, I met a few of the drivers who volunteer their time and cars at events that Sporting Bears attend. Car enthusiasts can pay to be a passenger in a car of their choice, pricing varies depending on the car. At the end of the event the total money raised is split between the 8 charities each region of Sporting Bears has chosen to support for that event.

I asked the drivers why they volunteer; for all of them it’s a win win! Most motor clubs are just static events, at Sporting Bears, they get to proudly display and drive their cars, meet some great people along the way whilst knowing the funds are going to great causes.  

Going for a dream ride

My highlight was being asked if I’d like a ride in a car of my choice, with the extend of my car knowledge I selected ‘the yellow one’ which I was advised was a Lotus Europa. I was also swayed by this one as I was advised by the other drivers, I’d get to see Steve, the drivers, ‘trick’ – I was intrigued but also wondering what kind of adventure I’d signed myself up for!

The car was amazing, the engine roared beautifully, the smell took me back to my childhood, playing in my dad’s shed and the feeling that the car would topple over on every turn got the adrenaline pumping! Steve was equally lovely, I learnt he’d been a Special Education Needs teacher for several years and listened to some heart-warming stories. Particularly the one about the lad with autism and learning difficulties. He was adamant he wanted to be a lawyer and he passed his law degree by buying a day ticket and studying every day on the top of a double decker bus as that what worked for him.

At the end of my ride, I soon discovered Steve’s ‘trick’ as he hurtled towards the barrier at full speed whilst I screamed and ducked down as he gracefully glided underneath. By his amusement I could see he never tired of people’s reactions.

A big thank you

I was so impressed by the dedication camaraderie, pride and huge volume of volunteers that make up Sporting Bears. It was a delight to spend a few hours seeing them in action and so thankful to learn they have raised £3,600 for Action Duchenne.

Thank you to the wonderful Sporting Bears!!

About Jess

Jess is a proud Mum to two girls; Lyla (12) and Wren (5) and lives with her wonderful family in the West Midlands. Jess has been a dedicated volunteer at Action Duchenne since May 2020 and is a valued member of our social media and contributor volunteer team.

Watch the fascinating video Jess recorded for the Conference 2020 which explains about Wren’s diagnosis as a manifesting female carrier of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Pictures from Jess’ day