Protyre News

Micheldever Tyre & Auto Services recently supported a local charity initiative ran by Wendy Pott of Oakley who is raising money for MND (Motor Neuron Disease) by donating free MOT voucher.

In 2012, Wendy and Graham Pott had a garden makeover thanks to Alan Titchmarsh’s feelgood show ‘Love Your Garden’ after the couple were put forward following the death of their 26 year-old son Matt, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident whilst crossing a road in Bristol in December 2009.

The garden became their ‘saviour’ and gave them a ‘focus and purpose’ after they became overwhelmed with grief.

Wendy, 63, whose mum died due to MND at the age of 45, said:
“It is a very personal space and we feel blessed to have it. We have held charity days before for family and friends but never to the public, but we just thought if we were passing the blessing on and helping somebody else, then it will be worth it. It [MND] is a wicked disease. It just slowly takes your life away. That is why we want to hold the charity day.”

On Saturday, 18 August, the couple staged an open garden party with around 120 visitors from across the country including the head of Aardman animations who generously donated a tour of their studio to the couple’s raffle.

According to Spungold TV who make the ‘Love Your Garden show’, this is the only garden that has ever been opened to the public for an event such as this.

The event ran from 2pm till 6pm and included cream teas, a pimms and prosecco tent, a raffle/auction with prizes including a signed book from Alan Titchmarsh and a signed script from the film The Theory of Everything, which was about the life of famous physicist Stephen Hawking.

The charity day was a huge success with the event raising over £4,000!

“We hoped to raise £1000 but are thrilled to let you know that the final total is £4012.27!! Without the help and support of some wonderful people like yourselves, the whole event would not have been possible. The funds raised will help sufferers of this cruel disease and their families in so many ways. “

The winner of the Micheldever MOT prize was a Linda Begbie pictured above with event organise Wendy Pott.