GQA gets on starting grid for rally to support AutoRaise
GQA Qualifications has answered a rallying call from AutoRaise, a vehicle repair industry charity. Mick Clayton, CEO of the awarding and qualifications-writing organisation has teamed up with Craig Hand, General Manager of the Rotherham branch of Gemini Accident Repair Centres to take on the ‘AutoRaise Rally’, a fun-filled fund-raising event that will take place in Wales in September. Teams of drivers in either ‘bangers’ bought for under £1,000 or classic cars worth a lot more will start out at Stratford on September 21st. They will then follow a challenging route over the next two days, taking in the amazing landscapes of Wales, including stays in Aberystwyth and Cardiff.
Aiming to raise as much money as possible for AutoRaise, GQA is asking its partners to help support the worthy cause with sponsorship.
Talking about the rally, Mick Clayton says:
“I’m really looking forward to getting those driving gloves on again and joining Craig Hand for what promises to be a fabulous road trip. The rally will be great fun, but on a more serious note we’d be so grateful if our partners would help raise money for AutoRaise by sponsoring us.
“AutoRaise was set up solely to help the UK vehicle repair industry attract young people into a range of technical apprenticeships. This is an aim we wholeheartedly support. Through training and qualifications, we can ensure that standards in the industry continue to rise. So please dig deep and give what you can to help AutoRaise make a success of this initiative. And in the meantime, here’s hoping Craig and I won’t need the dedicated rally mechanic too often along the way in our Volkswagen Beetle!”
Speaking about the rally, Craig Hand said:
“I’m with Mick hoping we won’t need the services of the rally mechanic. Last year, we didn’t need them, but perhaps that’s down to the Beetle’s German engineering. This year that will be mixed with Spanish flair as we’ll be dressed in full Spanish costumes. Last year we dressed as Tibetan monks! The themed clothing is all part of the fun for every team that enters, but of course, behind it is the very serious aim of raising as much money as we possibly can for this really noteworthy cause.”
This year marks the third time that GQA has sponsored the Rotherham Gemini ARC branch entry, and it is Mick’s second time driving the rally in the Beetle, although this time the car has had a makeover.
Entry fees and sponsorship monies raised will all be used to support AutoRaise. Anyone wishing to donate this year can head to
