Retired driving instructor belts up to raise money for charity

Susan Howard with Bernard Lonergan

A retired driving instructor from Rochdale has stepped back into the passenger seat in a bid to improve road safety in the area and to raise money for charity.

Bernard Lonergan began offering his services to the local community last year during Lent to raise funds for the international development charity, CAFOD.  Instead of giving up chocolates or alcohol, Bernard decided he would do something different and give up his time to make the community’s roads safer.

Members of the Rochdale community have been signing up to spend a couple of hours on the road with Bernard, who offers tips and refreshers on both technical driving ability and the need to keep up to date with the Highway Code, which is updated every few years.

Bernard said: “All of the people who take part think it’s a nice experience. It’s good to refresh people’s memories on changing rules and road signs, which keeps people up to date.

“Most of all, it should keep people safer on the roads while raising money for a good cause. I don’t ask for payment, but those who take part are invited to donate however much or little they can to CAFOD’s Lent Appeal.

“Sometimes during Lent, you can fall into a trap of doing something because you feel you have to.  This is just a different look at Lent; changing the goal posts. You never know, it might prompt someone to look at Lent a little differently.”

Briege Sivills, a local who took part in one of the refresher drives, added: “The whole experience was very enjoyable and informative.  I learned a lot from it, and I am so grateful to Bernard for the opportunity. The fact it is also raising money for a great cause is a brilliant added extra.”

Last year, Bernard raised over £200 for CAFOD and it is expected that he will reach a similar target this year.  In an added boost this year, Bernard’s and all donations to CAFOD’s Lent Appeal, up to £5 million, will be doubled by the UK government up until 12 May – meaning every donation will make double the difference.

CAFOD’s local representative in Rochdale, Steve Burrowes, said: “Thank you to Bernard, who has been raising money in such a creative and selfless way this Lent. He’s not only hopefully creating safer roads in the local community, but changing lives overseas too.”

The money raised by Bernard this Lent will help CAFOD in its work combatting malnutrition in Zimbabwe by providing seeds and farming training for families and communities so that everyone has enough to eat.

Donate to CAFOD’s Lent Appeal: www.cafod.org.uk/lent