MS Sufferer Wins Toyota for Teenage Son

Teenager Piers Lockhart, aged 19 of Ashtead, Surrey has won a new Toyota Starlet valued at £8,000 in the Disabled Drivers’ Association (DDA) national fundraiser.

Piers’ mother Valerie, who has MS and is a DDA member, bought the winning raffle ticket for her son. She said she was overwhelmed when she heard the news. “I’ve never won anything in my life,” she said ecstatically.

The car was presented to Piers by Toyota (GB) Ltd’s Managing Director, Mr R Graham Smith, on Tuesday 18 May at Redhill, the national headquarters of Toyota (GB) Ltd. The National DDA Treasurer, Mr Jim McKean and local disabled Toyota drivers also attended the presentation ceremony.

More than 39,000 raffle tickets were sold, raising over £34,000 in proceeds to boost the DDA’s work helping people with disabilities get into the driving seat and to lead more independent lives.

Mr Smith handed over the Starlet keys to Piers saying Toyota was proud to be associated with such a worthy charity as the DDA. He commended all the Toyota dealerships that supported the campaign with a pledge of £20 each and helped sell raffle tickets to Toyota customers. “Toyota not only donated the Starlet as first prize but also raised more than £4,000 through the dealer network,” he said.

“With more than 12 per cent of the community in some way disabled, organisations like the DDA and schemes like the Toyota Motability programme provide disabled people with reliable, lifestyle-enhancing transport options. We know that access to independent transport and the associated freedoms can dramatically change people’s lives,” he said.

Piers was out having a driving lesson when the DDA called to break the news. When told of his great win, Pier’s first question was: “Can I still keep the car if I don’t have a driving licence?”

He said it was a wonderful surprise especially as he didn’t know he had been entered in the raffle. “I suppose it’s sort of fair that mum bought me the winning ticket, as the only prize I have ever won was a jewellery box at a school raffle and I gave it to mum,” he said.

Toyota’s Manager Special Sales, Mr Neal Standen said Toyota Motability could help arrange a new car – on the road – for people on the Higher Rate Disability Allowance for around £32 of their allowance per week.

“Our Toyota Motability Specialists, who offer advice to drivers about vehicle suitability and the type and cost of any adaptation they may require, have rewarding roles helping people on to the road to independent travel.”

For further information call the Toyota Motability hotline on 0800 777555 or contact your local Toyota dealer.

ENDS