Thruxton: Wessex Cancer Trust hold charity track day

The Chandler's Ford-based charity organisation held a special track day at the acclaimed race circuit on Friday, May 12.

Beginning with a 20-minute briefing followed by an instructor demonstration, where participants, including myself, were shown the ropes in a Ford Puma.

It was then time to put theory into action, as we each took control of a Porsche Cayman and got to grips with the fastest circuit in the UK.

I was cautious at first, but I soon felt more confident, zooming around chicanes and apexes at speeds I couldn't dream to reach in my little Renault Clio.

Then it was time for the main event: Five laps in a Formula Renault.

I donned my helmet, gloves and racing boots, and stepped into the single-seat machine.

I'd be lying if I said I felt confident being unleashed into a car more powerful than any I've ever driven, but as the laps flew by, I decided it was time to put my foot down.

Fully immersed in the experience, and with adrenaline rushing through my veins, I felt unstoppable, in that moment I was convinced that Lewis Hamilton had nothing on me.

The chance to meet F1 legend Tiff Needell followed by a high-speed passenger ride in a Ford Focus was the cherry on the cake.

When I started this job, I never expected to be drifting sideways in a hatchback around a racetrack on a Friday afternoon, but here we are, and I loved it.

While this day out was a real adrenaline rush and some of the best fun I've had in recent times, there was, of course, an important reason it was held.

Lauren Flitcroft is the Events fundraiser for Wessex Cancer Trust.

She told the Advertiser: "We aim to be there for anyone in the Wessex region who is affected by cancer, and that doesn't just mean those who are going through their own personal cancer journey, but also their friends, family, children and everyone who could be affected by it."

She added: "We know it can be a real shock and ripple through the family, so we offer a range of different therapies plus four drop-in centres and counselling sessions."

Jo Merrett is the Head of Philanthropy and Major Partnerships at Wessex Cancer Trust.

She said that the work of the charity is "Unparalleled."

She added: "In certain areas of the counties, there is nothing offering what we do, and our ultimate goal is to have something within 15 miles of a person's home because when you are struggling with a diagnosis or treatment, the last thing you want to do is travel."

Andy Burridge is the managing director of ARC Fire Safety, who sponsored the event.

He said: "We are very happy to sponsor Wessex Cancer Trust, it's great for us as we genuinely wanted to give to a local charity"

He added: "We can see the fantastic support they give to those affected by cancer, and it's fantastic to play a tiny little part in being able to support them."