Putting Charity First

A First Stop tyre dealership and service centre has smashed the £25,000 milestone in its fundraising efforts for charities and worthwhile causes. Harpenden-based Pan Autos reached the target at a recent golf day for loyal customers, suppliers and friends, which added another £2,000 to money raised at 11 previous annual events since 1995. Proceeds from the golf day support a different charity each year. The benefactor on this occasion is the North London Hospice, which supports terminally ill patients in the boroughs of Barnet, Enfield and Haringey.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to smash the £25,000 barrier,” said John Tarbox, who runs Pan Autos with director Mike Turnham, “Our golf day provides an ideal opportunity to mix business with pleasure, and I’m extremely grateful for the support we’ve received over the years. It was another fantastic turn out this year, and a great effort for the North London Hospice. It’s a cause particularly close to my heart after the centre did so much to help my late uncle Horace in his final days with us.”

The golf day ends with a gala dinner and prize draw, where the majority of the charity cash is raised. Items up for grabs in this year’s draw included exclusive Bridgestone Motorsport memorabilia. Chris Hawkins, business development manager for Bridgestone UK, added: “Pan Autos is a valued member of Bridgestone’s First Stop network of independent tyre dealerships, and the continued success of the golf day shows why. It reflects the professionalism, drive and determination of John and his team in everything they do.”