FIX AUTO NETWORK COMES TOGETHER TO SUPPORT TUNISIAN TERRORIST ATTACK VICTIM

Staff at Fix Auto Pontypridd and the generosity of guests at Fix Auto UK’s National Conference have brought early Christmas cheer to Matthew James, the Pontypridd father who placed himself in the line of fire to save his wife during the Tunisian massacre earlier this year.

Matthew, whose tale of unimaginable bravery hit the headlines right across the world, has been presented with a total of £7,500 to help support him and his family during a year-long recuperation process.

The money will help the self employed gas technician, whose brother, Mark, is a panel technician at Fix Auto Pontypridd, since he has been unable to return to full work capacity since the tragic events of June.

Family and friends of Fix Auto Pontypridd raised £2,500 by organising a gruelling 100-mile cycle challenge from Pontypridd to Hereford and back in September.

Then, in October Fix Auto UK raised a further £5,000 by raffling an Apple Watch - donated by sponsor, Autoflow – to 200 delegates at its National Conference.  The generous donations from many Fix Auto bodyshops, suppliers, and insurer clients were supplemented by significant pledges from Fix Auto World, Advantage Parts Solutions and S&G Response.

Steve Peart, owner of Fix Auto Pontypridd, said: “As soon as we heard about Matthew’s story we all wanted to help. His heroics really touched and stunned the whole community. Hopefully, this small gesture will go someway to help Matthew and his family to celebrate Christmas.”

Ian Pugh of Fix Auto UK, said: “The tragic events that unfolded in Tunisia really shook the world and when we heard about Matthew’s heroic and selfless act we all really wanted to help out in some way. In the context of what Matthew and his family have gone through, this is a small gesture but will hopefully go some way to ensure Matthew and his family will be able to enjoy Christmas.”

On receiving his cheques from Steve and Ian, Matthew said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved with the Fix Auto Pontypridd charity bike ride. It's hard to put into words how grateful myself and my family are for what people all over the UK have been doing for us.

“It's emotional and overwhelming to think people have gone out of their way to help us to try and ease the aftermath of what happened on that day. All the guys at Fix Auto have been amazing with everything they've done - they took time out of their own lives not just by raising money for the charity bike ride, but also by taking part they endured pain and fatigue to complete the long ride. Thankfully they laid on some food and drinks for when they completed the 100 miles.”

Matthew added: “I was completely taken aback also when Ian Pugh presented me with another cheque from an event his organisation had staged in aid of us.  Again we cannot be more thankful to the ladies and gentlemen involved there and we are so grateful.  They all have my utmost respect and I will be eternally thankful for everything everyone has done for us.  Hopefully one day, we, as a family, can return the favour and perhaps join in on a future charitable event.   Thanks so much to everyone involved - it's been great meeting all the amazing people involved and we are looking forward to seeing you all again.”

Notes to Editors:

• Fix Auto UK is part of a global franchised network of more than 360 bodyshops.
• Fix Auto UK carries out more than 120,000 body repairs per year for leading motor insurance companies, fleets, and retail customers.
• Fix Auto UK, Lyndale House, Harcourt Way, Meridian Business Park, Leicester, LE19 1WL. Tel: 0116 3265401. 

Please Note:  For further information please contact Mark Richards on 07774 861596. Email: mark@mrpr.co.uk