Kind-hearted County Durham classic car enthusiast and garage team up to support local children’s charity

Adrian Hall, from Neville’s Cross, has also enlisted the support of Performance 28 a garage located on the Drum Industrial Estate, which has offered to waive their fees for selling the vehicle.

Adrian spent five months restoring the Land Rover Defender with the help of his 17-year-old son, Thomas. He said: “We decided to support Heel and Toe because of the life-changing therapy they have given one of Thomas’ teacher’s children. His teacher has been a tremendous source of encouragement to Thomas since he joined the school, it seemed like the right thing to do, to repay that encouragement and kindness in some small way.”

Heel and Toe is the only charity in the North East of England to provide a range of subsidised therapies for children with physical disabilities and complex needs. Mandy Hammond, Community Fundraiser at the charity, said: “I am delighted to receive the exciting news that Heel and Toe Children’s Charity has been chosen to receive the profits from the sale of Adrian and Thomas’ Land Rover Defender.

“We are so grateful to Adrian, Thomas, and Aiden and Performance 28 for supporting us. We receive no government funding and need to raise £1,000,000 every year. Currently we help over 220 local children every week. The children who come to us for therapy are from all areas of the North East.”

The restored Land Rover is currently on display at Performance 28’s recently revamped luxury dealership showroom. Aidan Sunter and Tony Thomson, own the garage, and said: “When Adrian approached us and explained why he was selling the vehicle and donating the profits to the charity, we knew we wanted to help. He has done a fantastic job restoring it and we are more than happy to waive our commission to support Heel and Toe.”

Adrian concluded: “Restoring classic cars is a hobby I’ve enjoyed for a lot of years now and is a great way for my son to learn new skills. We’re both really looking forward to seeing the Land Rover rehomed with a new owner and very grateful for the support of Performance 28 in our mission to help this fantastic charity as well.”

Performance 28 is located at Third Avenue, The Drum Industrial Estate, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH2 1AY.

If you can support Heel and Toe’s children’s therapy, email info@heelandtoe.org.uk or visit the website www.heelandtoe.org.uk

Picture: left to right, Tony, Adrian, and Thomas.