Santa Claus is running to town for Great Ormond Street Hospital

One of our technicians is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for a children's charity by entering the festive spirit next month.

Tony Gardiner, a technician at Citygate Volkswagen in Ruislip, will run in the 5k Santa Fun Run held in London's Greenwich Park on Sunday 4th December, to generate funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The hospital is very close to Tony's heart after his nephew, Daniel, was admitted there to receive treatment for Saggital Synostasis.

This condition meant that the plates in his head fused together too early and led to an odd shape. This would have become more pronounced as Daniel got older, so he was referred to the Craniofacial Unit at the hospital.

Daniel had two major operations on his head at three and six months to insert and then remove springs, which separated the plates, allowing normal development.

Tony will dress as Santa to raise money for the craniofacial team at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Tony said: "The team at Great Ormond Street Hospital provided great care and support to not only Daniel but my brother in-law and sister, and completing the run is my way of saying thank you.

"The team there is truly fantastic and I'm hoping to raise as much money as possible. My colleagues at Citygate Volkswagen have been very supportive and are sponsoring me to do the race."

Brand manager at Citygate Volkswagen, Richard Eagell added: "Tony has often told us about the fantastic work Great Ormond Street Hospital have done and continue to do for his nephew so we're pleased to help in a small way by sponsoring him."

Anyone will to sponsor Tony can speak to him at Citygate Volkswagen Ruislip on Victoria Road or visit the Just Giving page. Share this story with your followers by tweeting this! 

Thanks to Great Ormond Street Hospital's work, Daniel is a healthy and happy boy.

Citygate grows a "mo" for Prostate Cancer

20 members of staff at Citygate are hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for charity by taking part in the now traditional ‘Movember moustache challenge’.

Led by Marketing and Communications Director, Simon Bennett, staff at Citygate will not shave their upper lips during November, with all money donated going to the Prostate Cancer charity. Female staff can also join in by wearing false moustaches during the month. 

Simon Bennett said: “Prostate cancer is something everyone is aware of and Movember is a fun way of raising money for a fantastic cause.

“It’s fantastic that so many staff are taking part and we’re hoping everyone has some growth to show at the end of the month. We’re encouraging customers to get involved and hope to not only reach our target.”

Citygate are aiming to raise £800 for Prostate Cancer, and are on target with nearly £500 raised to date.

From L-R: Lee, Tom, Paul, Jamie, Rob and James. All from our High Wycombe branch.