Car raises thousands for NSPCC at auction

Children from a Newcastle primary school have helped raise thousands of pounds for the NSPCC by decorating a car for a charity auction.

Hania and Nyah from St Catherine’s RC School in Newcastle were winners in an artwork competition organised by motor retailer Pulman to celebrate 25 years of the NSPCC’s ChildLine service.   

The pair had their designs displayed on a Volkswagen Fox, which was donated to the NSPCC Grand Ball auction by Pulman, raising an impressive £7,000 for the charity.

As well as having their designs displayed on the car, Hania, from year 5, won tickets to a Newcastle United match for four people. Nyah, from year 3, won a signed Newcastle United replica shirt and a football signed by Alan Shearer. 

Pulman Marketing Manager Natalie Wilson said: “We wanted to donate the car as an auction prize and we thought it would be great to involve local children at St Catherine’s to make the car extra special. We had some great entries in the drawing competition and Hania and Nyah both did a fantastic job. There was a lot of interest in the car at the Ball and everyone commented on the brilliant pictures.”

St Catherine’s Head Teacher Michael Ewing said: "Children at St Catherine's are familiar with the work of NSPCC, particularly through the Childline service. Many families have supported their fundraising activities over the recent past, so we were very happy to involve the children in designing the NSPCC logo for the car. 

“Both Hania and Nyah were delighted when they heard the news that their entries had won and they couldn't stop smiling when they saw that their designs had been reproduced on the car. We were so pleased to support this NSPCC project as the work they do helps to improve lives for vulnerable families in the North East."

Pulman are long standing supporters of the NSPCC and co-sponsored the Grand Ball, alongside Newcastle International Airport. 

Pulman have Volkswagen and SEAT retailers across the North East, and for the past 10 years have raised over £200,000 for the NSPCC. Natalie continued: “We are very passionate about giving and helping our local community, and are very proud to support the NSPCC.”

NSPCC head of local fundraising for the North East, Wendy Bates said: “Well done to Hania and Nyah.  Their wonderful designs made the car totally unique.  I’m sure that’s what led to the increased interest in the car at auction and helped to raise such a fantastic amount. Thanks also to Pulman for donating the car. They have supported the NSPCC for a number of years, raising thousands of pounds to help local vulnerable children and their families. It’s thanks to corporate sponsors like Pulman, as well as ongoing support from the public, that the NSPCC can continue to provide services to help vulnerable children and their families.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about supporting the NSPCC can visit www.nspcc.org.uk or call the North East fundraising team on 0191 227 5300.