Fix Auto Mid Devon takes giant charity strides

The team at Fix Auto Mid Devon has raised more than £3,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

Colleagues raised the money by walking a kilometre for each year the 50-years their Crediton company has been in business.

Toby Wood, Steve Gale, John Wiggins and Malcolm Street managed to complete the arduous trek across Dartmoor from Okehampton to Ivybridge in just under 12 hours, while five further colleagues began the fundraising march but were advised by event organisers to retire at the half-way point.

Company owner Louise Woolacott, who was among those who began the charity challenge, said: “We knew it was going to be our toughest charity challenge yet, which is why we choose it to mark our 50^th anniversary, but we really didn’t expect the course to be as challenging. The terrain, the warm weather, the steep hills and descents were savage.

“Toby, Steve, John and Malcolm really were like machines, they just kept going and going and were unphased by what the course threw at us. Just when they needed an extra boost, the guys were joined by David Sutcliffe of Grove who gave them a much-needed burst of energy and enthusiasm during the final leg.”

Fix Auto Mid Devon was formed in 1970 by Woolacott’s in-laws Geoff and Sheila Woolacott. Today the business comprises two large operations and employs 50 people, repairing approximately 3,000 vehicles annually.

Woolacott said: “Being part of a family-owned business that has served an area for more than 50 years is an incredible achievement and it’s one we are extremely proud of. The business actually surpassed that milestone 18 months ago but the pandemic put our celebrations on hold.”