raises £6,500 for Thai orphans

A team of five Scottish drivers from Edinburgh and Glasgow is celebrating after raising over £6,500 for vulnerable young Thai children by competing in a 24-hour endurance go-kart race in Thailand on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July 2006.

Accompanying the team, called F'Sport, were Scottish TV and radio personality Sarah O'Flaherty and ten year old Leanna Donaldson, a daughter of one of the team's drivers. Both were delighted to be given the chance to help with the children from the projects - who cheered the team on at the racetrack.

The event took place at the international Bira Kart racetrack some 80 miles south of Bangkok, and money raised will be donated to the nearby Pattaya Orphanage in Pattaya and the Camillian Social Centre in Rayong. Both organisations provide direct help, support and care for vulnerable young children.

The money raised in sponsorship will be split evenly between the two organisations in Pattaya and Rayong.

"It was a tough race," says David Joseph, the manager of the team. "The weather in Thailand is a far cry from Scotland and the heat was intense. Although we did not place on the final podium, we are so pleased to have been able to raise money for such a worthy cause, and we were touched to see a large crowd of the children there to support us."

"We are astounded by the efforts of the F'Sport team," says Andrew Scadding, Chief Executive of the UK's Pattaya Orphanage Trust. "The money raised will help both organisations provide children who have nowhere else to go a safe place to stay, education and most importantly, the care and love they need for a normal childhood."

F'Sport, the racing team of Caledonia Park, comprises Manager and driver David Joseph, drivers Craig Alsop, Jack Bruce, Ian Donaldson and Neil Purdie, along with Pit Manager Kenny MacDonald and his eighteen year old son Ewan MacDonald.

To support David and the F'Sport team visit www.justgiving.com/thailand24hr

To find out more about the Pattaya Orphanage Trust and the Camillian Social Centre visit www.pattayaorphanage.org.uk