A LIFESAVING charity had a smart idea to help raise their profile and funds by visiting every branch of the organisation throughout the country in a specially branded car.
Each Samaritans branch supplied drivers in a relay system to take the vehicle, supplied by Smart, on the next leg of its journey.
The car visited 190 groups, starting on July 10, and finished in Birmingham on Sunday (25).
Ealing's branch, in Junction Road, had its turn on Friday (23). Ealing's drivers Georgia Wright and Ayesha Holder, were joined by Ealing North MP Steve Pound, before the pair took the car to Putney. Although not everything went to plan, the car was delayed by three hours on its way to Ealing after it hit a curb and punctured two tyres.
Fundraisers also made £760 from passengers by holding collections at Ealing Broadway and Hammersmith stations.
Roger Mullins, chairman of Ealing Samaritans, which provides emotional support to the suicidal and those in distress, said: "It's important to be able to raise our profile as we don't get any money from the central organisation and we need funds to maintain and improve our building.
"We're always looking for new recruits. It can be very rewarding and the training is very good."
Admiral Insurance also sponsored the Smart Car's journey.
