Appetite for destruction

Our 2019 Ops Fundraising Challenge in aid of our charity partner, Action for Children, is now underway.

Like colleagues up and down the country, late shift work area manager  James Meadows from Chelmsford Mail Centre, will be doing his utmost to raise as much money as possible for Action for Children’s pioneering mental health initiative, the Blues Programme.

This June, James, who was the Ops Challenge ‘Most Original Idea’ winner 2018, will once again be competing in the Back to Basics Banger Racing Challenge at Yarmouth Stadium on Sunday 9 June.

Bigger and better than last year, the aim of the challenge is simple – to survive all three races. ‘The racing is both brutal and unforgiving,’ said James. ‘I’ll be racing alongside three other drivers against a grid of more than 50 hardened veterans. It’s going to be non-stop action. ‘We’ll be racing stripped out ex-road going war horses in three individual races around a 327-yard tarmac oval famous for its appetite for destruction. Sparks will be flying, believe me!

‘This is far from an arrive and drive karting event; contact and taking the opposition out is all part of it. In fact, contact is actively encouraged. If you think of an American-style destruction derby then you won't be too far off the mark. Two of us used to race on circuits like these in a single-seater style formula; the other driver in our team of three is a complete novice. It’s going to be a baptism of fire for him!

The 2019 Ops Fundraising Challenge runs until 31 July. Play the video above to find out more.

How can you help?

Collections for Action for Children will be carried out both before and at the event beginning this month as part of the Ops Challenge 2019. ‘Anyone who is willing to help us collect money will be entitled to free admission to the race (up to a limited number),’ said James. ‘All donations will be matched penny for penny by Royal Mail.’

If you would like to help James reach his target of £2,000, you can visit his Sponsor Me page here.