A MEMORABLE afternoon was had by all at Hawkins Blackwater recently as the dealership hosted a special charity event in support of Cornwall Air Ambulance.

The Shaun Wallace Charity Challenge welcomed hundreds of visitors throughout the afternoon and evening, with families, customers and members of the local community coming together to support the lifesaving Cornish charity.

The event featured a Scalextric showdown with The Chase star, as well as a host of family-friendly challenges. Cornwall Air Ambulance mascot Aircrew Andy was also in attendance alongside members of the charity's team.

Best known as 'The Dark Destroyer' on The Chase, Shaun Wallace took on guests in a series of friendly competitions, including Scalextric racing on a bespoke track built by Think Scalextric, putting, cornhole, rowing and a driving simulator supported by St Eval Karting.

The Scalextric challenge saw competitors aim to beat Shaun's fastest lap time. The fastest lap around the track won their own set to take home and, pleasingly, the winner was one of the youngest racers to take on the challenge.

Visitors also enjoyed local food and drink from Lucy Bakes, Cub&Co, Miss Marple's Ice Cream, Healeys Cyder Farm's new 'Gym Juice' and The Old Mill Village Shop, while exploring the latest vehicles from Hawkins' automotive brands.

James Hawkins, director at Hawkins Motor Group, said, “We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along, took part and donated so generously. It was fantastic to see so many people supporting such an important local charity while enjoying a great afternoon together.

“A special thank you also goes to Shaun Wallace for giving up his time to host the event and helping us create such a memorable day. His enthusiasm and willingness to get involved with every challenge made the event a real success.”

Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, the event raised £611 for Cornwall Air Ambulance, helping to support the charity's vital work responding to emergencies across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Hawkins thanked Cornwall Air Ambulance, Think Scalextric, St Eval Karting and all of the local businesses and partners who helped make the day possible.

As a family-run business, Hawkins supports local charities that make such a significant difference to communities across the county. Cornwall Air Ambulance completes around 1,000 missions each year, bringing critical care to people wherever they are needed.

Their specialist paramedics are operational 19 hours a day, 365 days a year, with two AW169 helicopters and two rapid response vehicles. It costs over £9-m per year to keep the charity running, and with no direct government funding towards running costs, they rely on the generosity of the people, communities and businesses from Cornwall and beyond.

James added: “Everyone at Hawkins Blackwater would like to thank every visitor, volunteer, partner and supporter who helped make our event such a success. Together, they helped raise valuable funds for a charity that is always there when Cornwall needs it most.”