Another amazing day with the Sporting Bears

Article by Jess Breeze | Duchenne Mum | Volunteer

On the 19^th March I had the privilege to spend another day with the Sporting Bears.

The Sporting Bears or “The Bears”, as they are affectionately known, are a dedicated group of classic car and sports car enthusiasts with the primary aim – to raise money for children’s charities through dream rides and touring events.

The Bears kindly chose Action Duchenne again as one of their three charities to support for their Midlands regional event, ‘The Restoration Show‘ at the NEC.  They raised an amazing £20,016.49 to be shared between Action Duchenne, Me&Dee and Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

Meeting the amazing charities

I was fortunate to meet Mark the representative from Me&Dee and discovered the amazing work that they do.  Me&dee help families going through life-changing circumstances to laugh and smile when they need it most, by providing them with a well needed break in their Sherwood Forest lodge.  Me&Dee welcome any applications families in the East Midlands region, however they have advised the lodge is not fully accessible, for further details please visit their website www.meanddee.co.uk. 

It’s odd how lives can connect, Mark advised they had supported a family whose son lives with DMD and Birmingham Children’s hospital is where we attend for our daughter Wren’s appointments for her carrier checks.  

A well-oiled machine

The day with the Bears started with the overwhelming smell of petrol and roars of the revving engines and of course the huge sea of orange fleeces.  I think what really struck me this time is the realisation of how many people volunteer their time and energy to these events.  

The Bears are a well-oiled machine, everyone plays their part and completes their role impeccably; from the ‘touts’ who encourage the general public to part with their hard earned cash to enjoy a ride in one of their favourite cars, who pass them on to the ‘booking team’, who pass them to the next team who radio the drivers to let them know they have a ride, who pass on to the next team  to escort you in and out of the vehicle safely.

Behind the scenes the organisation that goes into these events is equally staggering, getting the event booked, checking which drivers will be attending, ensuring insurance requirements are met, displaying the vehicles and pricing the rides, setting up at the event and not to mention the phenomenal amount of baking to bring homemade cakes!

It’s all for great causes

All of this is done completely voluntarily and at their own expense, the petrol cost getting their vehicles to and from the events, many have overnight stays, one of the drivers drove down from Cumbria. Every single penny raised goes to the charities  One of the volunteers told me she’d been with the Bears for 20 years, you really pick up the sense of comradery, group bond and sense of pride in what they do. 

Listening to the compere interview one of the drivers summed it up perfectly;

I get to sit and talk about my car, they get an experience, it goes to charity, it’s a win for me, a win for you and a win for them.

Sporting Bear Driver

Thank you again to the wonderful 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.

• Read Jess’ article following her first Sporting Bears’ event.
• 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.

Get involved

If you belong to a group or body which raises money for great causes, we’d love to hear from you! Contact info@actionduchenne.org to start the conversation, thank you.