A proactive Crimestoppers volunteer from Haverhill, Suffolk, has driven from Lands End to John O’Groats in a Crimestoppers branded car to raise much needed funds for the independent crime-fighting charity. [17 December 2012]

Eldon Mackridge, the fundraiser and Suffolk Crimestoppers volunteer, turned 75 in September and took on the drive for his birthday. The 850 mile journey from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands kicked off on Saturday September 8 from Lands End and took 3 days to complete.

Prior to the expedition Eldon stayed in a bed and breakfast the night before just 12 miles from the starting point. In an act of utter coincidence the venue, which Eldon chose at random, was owned by someone who used to be chair of an East Midlands Volunteer Committee some years ago. Eldon remarked “Crimestoppers is such a small charity with only 600 hundred volunteers UK wide, so it really was amazing to stumble across another supporter”.

The first night was spent in Gloucester and the second night was spent in Perth, with a race to the finish at John O’Groats the next day at 2.30pm.

Crimestoppers Eastern Regional Manager, Ann Scott, said: “This was a great initiative thought up by Eldon. We are so grateful for the lengths our volunteers go to in order to raise our profile. Eldon is raising money for Crimestoppers so that we can continue to fight crime and make a difference in our community. Many people do not realise that we are an independent charity, but think we are part of the police or the TV programme. We need to raise funds in order to promote the vital anonymous service that we provide and pay the rewards available for information given to us”.

She added “With 23 arrests being made every day from information given to Crimestoppers the charity plays a significant part in getting criminals off the street. The charity has many active and passionate volunteers, like Eldon, who give up their own time to promote the charity. If you would like to support Crimestoppers by volunteering you can find more information by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org”.

Eldon commented “I am very pleased with the amount of money raised – you always worry that you won’t raise a penny! There is still time to donate........ and help fight crime in Suffolk. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and I’m already planning my next fundraising adventure”.

As a result of this fundraising event The Lands End to John O’Groats Association will be awarding Eldon with a prestigious award for ‘Oldest Fundraiser’ at their AGM in January.

Suffolk Crimestoppers would like to thank all that donated money via the Just Giving page, the text number and by cash/cheque donations to Eldon. In particular Royal Clarence Charity Association, East & Central Africa Lodge, Pat Hall, David Cousins, Neville Gay, David Cousins and a few anonymous donors. Paragon Signs also kindly branded Eldon’s car free of charge.

If you wish to support Eldon’s efforts and donate any amount you can spare, please go to https://www.justgiving.com/SuffolkCrimestoppersDrive.

-ENDS-

More photos are available upon request.