Inspiring local GP toughs it out to raise over £3K for YMCA Bournemouth

YMCA Bournemouth are extremely proud and grateful to work with local partners in our quest to help those in need locally. The ‘helping those less fortunate than ourselves’ story includes so many people working together, including the Health Bus, NHS Mental Health Support, YMCA and local Practitioners.

YMCA Senior Operations Manager, Martin Stockley said, “Locally, and nationally, there are numerous organisations and charities that are simply focused on making a positive difference to people’s lives. We never forget however, that behind these groups there are inspiring and passionate individuals that really do make a difference. Thank you never seems enough, but each success and each live turned around is the reward we all celebrate and seek.”

Russell Betts has worked as a GP partner in Bournemouth for 18 years and is a GP Trainer. One of his colleagues delivers a weekly clinic with the Health Bus in Bournemouth and is a local inspiration to Russell. Russell said, “He has a truly selfless manner and seems to genuinely thrive of the work he does with the homeless, coming back from a clinic full of enthusiasm and positive energy, it made me want to do more to help out in some way.”

Russell has always enjoyed long distance events and during lock down in 2020 signed up for the Ultraman Triathlon distance event in Castellon de la plana in Spain. He was the only British entrant among 21 other competitors. Russell continued, “It was a gruelling few days. Day one was a 10km swim and 140km cycle, day two 280km on the bike then a double Marathon on day three.”

Russell was pleased with his result, completing it in 30 hours. “I really enjoyed the swim and bike ride; the scenery was beautiful and the weather good. The first marathon was OK but to be honest the last 20km of the 2nd marathon were really tough, my legs were screaming with every step thinking of the sponsorship and those in difficulty every day of their lives, this helped inspire me to get through the dark moments.”.

YMCA Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch work tirelessly to help those who are also toughing it out and are so proud and thankful to have people like Russell help raise invaluable support. This is turn means that YMCA can deliver more services/programmes to those in need, ensuring that all can thrive for a lasting and positive future in our local communities. www.ymcabournemouth.org.uk

DRIVEN

Car Review: ŠKODA ENYAQ iV

June 2021 heralded the arrival of ŠKODA’s first fully electric car: the ENYAQ iV promised to be a fresh new take on technology, performance, and environmental responsibility. This large, practical, family-friendly SUV was an immediate success, and has already been named ‘Car of the Year’ by a whopping four different industry titles, including What Car?.

It’s safe to say, then, that the ENYAQ iV has been met with a very positive response, so I was excited to review it. Let’s dive in! An electric future Firstly, some introductions. The ENYAQ iV is not just ŠKODA’s first bespoke electric car, but the battery is also integrated into the floor to give the occupants generous interior space and improved handling.

The model launched with its ‘Purrs electric, grrrs attitude’ campaign, which sets out its stall as a car with two very different sides – an eco-conscious persona with dynamic design. It also marks the start of a new naming convention whereby its electric cars will begin with the letter E. Head-turning looks As the ‘grrrs attitude’ part of the campaign intends to prove, the ENYAQ iV shows that eco-friendly doesn’t mean compromising on looks. Far from it! I love the look of the ENYAQ iV – from its distinctively shaped bonnet to its confidence stance, it really makes an impression. All the range The ENYAQ iV is certainly a car that goes the distance – it’s available in the UK with two battery size options: 62kWh and 82kWh – with the latter delivering a WLTP driving range of up to 331 miles. In the real world, that’s about 260 miles, but it much depends on conditions and driving style. It can also be rapid-DCcharged to 80% in as little as 38 minutes. Room for all the family If you’re looking for an electric car for you and your family, the ENYAQ iV is definitely a contender. It’s slightly smaller than its KODIAQ stablemate, but still boasts ample space and an impressive 585-litre boot.

What’s more, you can create a loungelike feel in the cabin, with a choice of design packs – you could go for the luxurious ‘Suite’ design pack, which comes with decadent black leather and piano black décor panels, but the ‘Lounge’ pack gets the nod from me. The grey leather with mustard yellow stitching instantly makes you feel at home!

The ENYAQ iV is also packed with handy features. It has all the tech and connectivity you need, with ŠKODA Connect and a handy 13-inch navigation screen. I’m a big fan of the Remote Air Conditioning feature – where you can schedule the air con at a specific time, so you’ll always head off in comfort. Perfect for these brisk winter mornings! Safety first The ENYAQ iV doesn’t do things by halves, and as well as achieving the maximum fivestar Euro NCAP safety rating, it also got the best result ever recorded, with 94% for the protection of adult passengers and 89% for children. Can’t argue with that! Summary It’s safe to say that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this new model, and now I’ve had time to test it out, I can confirm it gets a firm thumbs up!

I like all of the trims, but for that extra sportiness, the top-of-the-range ENYAQ iV 80x gets my vote – thanks to its two electric motors with a combined output of 195 kW and all-wheel drive, meaning no adventure is off limits.

Sound like the car for you? Find out more and book a test drive to experience it for yourself. www.hendy.co.uk/skoda/new-cars/new-enyaq

Dorset Mind return as Official Charity Partner at Bournemouth 7s 2022

Bournemouth 7s are incredibly excited to announce that Dorset Mind will be returning as their Official Charity Partner for Bournemouth 7s Festival 2022.

Dorset Mind are a local charity that educates, challenges mental health stigma and inequality, and promotes recovery by empowering individuals to develop resilience. The team at Dorset Mind aim to develop and improve positive mental wellbeing for everyone and do so by offering a range of safe, wellbeing support services that can be tailored and mixed to meet the needs of an individual.

Callie Worth, Commercial Manager at Bournemouth 7s said “We feel immensely proud to be involved with an amazing charity such as Dorset Mind and look forward to working on another partnership ahead of Bournemouth 7s Festival 2022”. www.bournemouth7s.com