Paul’s formula for fund-raising achievement

POLE position: Paul Sutcliffe

PAUL Sutcliffe is in pole position to achieve a Formula One coup.

The former racing marshal is on the verge of uniting the whole of the motor sport community in a project to raise money and awareness of a disease that has changed his life.

Paul, of Fourth Avenue, Hollins, decided to use his passion for the sport and his contacts in the industry to produce a calendar for Melanoma UK — a Shaw-based charity he became involved with when he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2008.

His dream has snowballed and some of the biggest names and teams in Formula One are supporting him, from Martin and Alex Brundle, Damon Hill, Bruno Senna, Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg to race directors Charlie Whiting and Herbie Blash.

Teams such as Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull, Lotus, Caterham, Force India, Marussia Ferrari, Renault, Mercedes and tyre maker Pirelli are also involved.

“I’ve wanted to do this for a long time but it’s a big thing to get off the ground,” said Paul, who was diagnosed with stage-three melanoma and has seen the cancer return twice.

“But I can’t believe how well it’s going and some of the names we’ve got on board — I’m thrilled.

“The teams and companies involved in motor sport tend to do their own calendars so for them to all come together to support this is unique.

“I became involved with Melanoma UK after I was diagnosed and they have been such a big support to me.

“They are local and I really want to help generate some funds and bring awareness about the disease.”

Andy Worthington, from Melanoma UK, has become heavily involved in the calendar and says he can’t believe how it’s taken off.

“Its gone beyond our wildest expectations and we’ve had so many people in the sport offering to help out,” said Andy.

The calendar will be available later this year. For more information visit www.charitymarshal.org