Family adventures for children with microtia and autism continue, thanks to Sporting Bears
Image: Esther, Amelia, Elizabeth and Benedict enjoying Sporting Bears rides with EnFold
When the Sporting Bears Motor Club heard that small charity Goldenhar was facing a financial crisis, it stepped in by raising much-needed funds at the 2026 NEC Restoration Show. The donation from Sporting Bears guaranteed survival for the charity, which was in real danger of closing down. Crucially it allowed Goldenhar to continue its family support weekend, the charity’s annual highlight, where families meet, raise smiles and realise they are not alone in their journeys.
Goldenhar UK offers support for those affected by a range of facial conditions which require complex treatment, as detailed on the charity’s website at goldenhar.org.uk. Suzanne Pitchford is the CEO of Goldenhar UK, and after the sterling efforts of the Sporting Bears she commented: “This donation has saved Goldenhar. We were at the point where we were going to have to cancel our annual support weekend, but thanks to the Sporting Bears this year’s event is now going ahead, with 37 children attending. Aged from 11 months to 14 years, every child will benefit enormously from this generous donation.”
Phil Moody, Charities Secretary for the Sporting Bears, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to support Goldenhar at a recent event. Seeing the impact first-hand, at our events and through visiting our charities, is what keeps our volunteers coming back year after year. We’re incredibly proud that the Sporting Bears now raises over £300,000 annually for children’s charities, a figure that grows every year as more events join the calendar. The majority of that money goes to smaller, UK-based charities, chosen because we know they will work with the children who need it most.”
Another charity supported by the Sporting Bears is EnFold (enfold.org.uk), which supports individuals and young people with autism across Northamptonshire. Diane Johnson is the charity’s founder and CEO, and she says: “The money donated by Sporting Bears allows us to continue supporting families, individuals and young people through social groups, fun activities, one-to-one support and community groups. This income is incredibly important to us.”
Goldenhar UK and EnFold are just two of hundreds of charities that operate at least in part because of the hard work of the Sporting Bears’ 1600 or so dedicated members, who are spread across the UK. Since Sporting Bears launched its Dream Rides in 1993, it has raised over £4 million which has been donated to more than 400 children’s charities. Sporting Bears attends over 60 events every year throughout the UK, from showcases like Carfest and The British Motor Show, to smaller charity-based gatherings like the Abbey School Vehicle Show and Family Day, Victoria Education Centre annual fun day, and car and country fairs like Kimbolton Country Fayre and Sherborne Classic Car Show.
Charities are selected on the basis that they are local to the event, tend to be smaller, and that they can clearly demonstrate the money donated goes directly to the children who need it. Sporting Bears uses a charity selection process to ensure every penny makes a difference to the life of a deserving child.
As well as these Dream Ride events which are open to the public, Sporting Bears holds a number of closed events every year. These are about raising smiles and making wonderful memories, offering fun and respite for the siblings and family members of the children benefitting from the charities. For example, in June 2026, Sporting Bears hosted the children, carers and family members of 81 families at the Army Air Museum in Middle Wallop (you can watch the video at tinyurl.com/mvh43eh4). Sporting Bears pitched up with 46 cars and did an incredible 662 Dream Rides. Children attended from an array of charities including Julia’s House, Mosaic, Naomi and Jack’s, M2Club, Simon Says, Box4kids and Sebastian’s Action Trust. This special day, now an annual event, was supported by more than 60 Sporting Bears volunteers.
