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“Our businesses have always been committed to supporting local communities and charities, and we take great pride in the contributions we make.
Before launching our foundation, much of our charitable work went unnoticed. We rarely highlighted the causes we supported or the funds we raised over the past 40+ years. That’s why we introduced the foundation—to bring all our charitable efforts under one umbrella, creating a long-term strategy to maximise our impact in the community.
Darren continued, “Our foundation was established in 2021 to mark our 40th anniversary and to support our charity work for years to come. It also recognised the hardships caused by the coronavirus crisis, particularly for charities. As part of our anniversary celebrations and the foundation’s launch, we raised £40,000.
Now, more than ever, charities need our support, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to make a real difference.
Two causes particularly close to my heart are Cancer Research UK and JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). We have supported cancer charities since June 2011, when my mother, Lyn, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given the devastating prognosis of just five to six months to live.
Following a second opinion, we were introduced to groundbreaking treatments that not only eradicated her brain tumour but also helped control other cancerous cells in her body. The funds we continue to raise will go towards vital research, helping to bring us closer to beating all major forms of cancer.
Another charity we passionately support is JDRF. Type 1 diabetes is widely known, yet many people underestimate the life-changing impact it has—especially on children.
In 2018, my daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and I witnessed firsthand how it turns a child’s life upside down. The constant injections and monitoring are relentless, and my goal is to help accelerate progress towards better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Together, we can make a huge difference.”
Continuing its commitment to local community causes, the Peter Cooper Motor Group has furthered its support for Southampton City Mission’s (SCM) Basics Bank scheme with a donation and essential supplies.
Joined by brand ambassador and Hampshire cricketer Sonny Baker, managing director Darren Cooper personally delivered a £250 donation, part of a prize the group won from Volkswagen UK for hosting one of the best-dressed Christmas dealerships last year. The duo also volunteered at SCM’s warehouse, assisting in the preparation of food parcels for distribution.
In addition to the monetary donation, staff across the motor group’s dealerships collected essential food and clothing items to further boost the charity's efforts.
In 2024 alone, SCM supported individuals over 18,500 times with food and nearly 2,000 times with clothing—underscoring the importance of ongoing community support.
Darren Cooper said the experience was eye-opening:
“Seeing the scale of SCM’s work and the passion of its volunteers has been truly inspiring. We’re proud to contribute and committed to continuing our support.”
Sonny Baker added:
“It’s a privilege to be part of this initiative through the Peter Cooper Motor Group Foundation and to help raise awareness for such a vital local cause.”
Click here to view the full interview
Our annual Peter Cooper Foundation Golf Day was a fantastic day filled with great company, big smiles, and plenty of unforgettable moments out on the course – all for an incredible cause. A huge thank you to all the sponsors, players, and volunteers who made the day so special. Your support means the world to us and helps us continue making a difference in our local community. Keep an eye out – we’ll be sharing the final total raised very soon!
The Peter Cooper Motor Group Foundation is proud to have partnered with The Murray Parish Trust to support children in local hospitals by funding innovative technology designed to bring comfort and entertainment during hospital stays.
As part of our commitment to the community, we donated £3,000 towards a gaming cart for the children’s ward at Queen Alexandra Hospital. The gaming cart provides young patients with a welcome distraction, helping to lift spirits and improve their hospital experience, and create a more engaging and calming environment for children undergoing treatment.
This initiative was made possible with the support of our long-standing partners at the Murray Parish Trust, who work tirelessly to improve healthcare facilities for seriously ill children.
This past Christmas, the Peter Cooper Motor Group came together to support Connor’s Toy Library, a charity dedicated to providing toys, resources, and support to families in need.
To raise funds, our aftersales team at Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End took on an incredible challenge, pledging to walk 2,000,000 steps in seven days. Meanwhile, staff across the group participated in various fundraising activities, including our Christmas Jumper Day and bake sale on 10th December.
A total of £1,230 was raised through these efforts, with £475 coming from our service team’s JustGiving page. In line with his pledge, Darren matched the amount raised, bringing the final donation to £2,261.84.
Connor’s Toy Library has been supporting children since 1971, providing stay-and-play sessions, an outreach program for vulnerable families, and a toy loan service, ensuring all children, regardless of background or ability, have access to high-quality educational and sensory resources.
This Christmas, all Peter Cooper Motor Group sites proudly supported our partner, The Knights Foundation, by donating gifts to children spending the festive season in local hospitals. Thanks to the generosity of our staff, we were able to bring joy and Christmas magic to those who needed it most.
With the support of the Peter Cooper Motor Group, the Knights Foundation ensures that children facing a difficult Christmas receive gifts to brighten their stay in the hospital. This year, our incredible team came together to donate over 200 presents, helping to make the season a little more special for young patients and their families.
We are incredibly proud of our team for their generosity and for supporting such an important cause.
In October, we were proud to participate in The Murray Parish Trust's charity golf day, hosted by our long-standing partner. It was an honour to be part of such a fantastic event, contributing to the vital funds raised for critically ill children and their families.
We are thrilled to have supported The Murray Parish Trust's 10th anniversary celebrations through their Golf & Gourmet and Sip & Soirée events, which together raised an incredible £27,000. This generous total will go towards supporting vital mental health projects for seriously ill children.
We are incredibly proud to stand alongside The Murray Parish Trust in their mission, and we look forward to supporting many more events in the future.
Peter Cooper Foundation Provides Wheelchair
Our management accountant, Adam, reached out to Darren Cooper, Managing Director, after his mother sustained a spinal bone fracture just before Christmas of 2023. Due to her injury, even short periods of walking and standing had become extremely painful.
Without hesitation, Darren Cooper agreed to purchase a wheelchair through the Peter Cooper Foundation, ensuring it met Adam’s mother’s specific needs. The compact design allows it to fit in their car boot, enabling her to travel more easily and maintain her independence.
Adam’s mother shared her heartfelt gratitude:
"Dear Mr. Cooper,
Thank you so much for the folding wheelchair. Now I have the wheelchair, which fits in our car boot; I have been able, with my husband's help, to make trips to the supermarket, the local seaside for fresh air and an ice cream, and, last weekend, to our daughter’s in Sussex to meet up with friends for a garden party, where the photo was taken."
On 11th June, we hosted our annual Peter Cooper Motor Group Foundation Charity Golf Day at Goodwood Golf, bringing together businesses, supporters, and golf enthusiasts for a fantastic day of fundraising.
Thanks to the generosity of our attendees, sponsors, and donors, we raised an impressive £21,000+, which will go directly into the Peter Cooper Motor Group Foundation. These funds will then be distributed to support a range of charitable causes, helping those in need within our communities.
This marks 10 years of running this event, with a phenomenal £258,000 raised in total through the golf day alone!
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, and contributed prizes and auction items, your support enables us to continue making a meaningful impact.
When one of our own after-sales team members, Glen, and his spouse Mae spent three months caring for their prematurely born baby, Mateo, at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, they experienced first-hand the incredible care provided by the hospital’s medical staff and the Ickle Pickle charity.
However, during their stay, it became evident that the ward lacked essential resources to support families during these difficult times. Wanting to give something back, Glen reached out to Darren Cooper, Managing Director of Peter Cooper Motor Group, to highlight the need for a new feeding chair—a vital piece of equipment for parents spending long hours caring for their new-borns in hospital.
Without hesitation, the Peter Cooper Foundation and Darren Cooper stepped in to donate a brand-new feeding chair worth £1,683, ensuring that other families facing similar challenges have access to more comfort and support during their hospital journey.
We were proud to support our valued partner, Youth Options, at their Charity Golf Day at the stunning Remedy Oak Golf Club. This fantastic event brought together businesses, supporters, and golf enthusiasts for a day of sport, fundraising, and community spirit—all in support of a truly impactful cause.
Youth Options is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged young people by providing them with opportunities to develop confidence, skills, and resilience. We are incredibly proud to work alongside them in their mission, and this event was a great way to help raise both money and awareness for their important work.
The day was a huge success, with players taking to the course under near-perfect weather conditions. The generosity of those in attendance, from sponsorships to donations and auction contributions, made a significant impact, helping to fund the vital services that Youth Options provides to young people in need.
We were honoured to support The Knights Foundation and Aerobility with a £900 donation from the Peter Cooper Foundation. Charlotte, our Group Marketing Executive, visited Blackbushe Airport to see first-hand the incredible work these organisations do in providing life-changing experiences for disabled and seriously ill children.
This special day was designed to offer children with disabilities the unforgettable opportunity to take to the skies. With the guidance of experienced flight instructors, each child—accompanied by a parent—spent 30 minutes in the cockpit, learning the basics of aviation. In many cases, they were even given the chance to take control of the plane themselves!
For many of these children, this was their first time in an aircraft, making the experience not only exhilarating but also deeply sensory and empowering. The initiative ensures accessibility for all, with fully adapted aircraft and specialist equipment such as hoists to support wheelchair users.
On Friday, 18th August 2023, five lucky winners, each joined by a guest, enjoyed an unforgettable experience at Southampton FC’s renowned Staplewood Training Facilities. This exclusive event, organised with the help of Peter Cooper Motor Group in partnership with Southampton Football Club, provided a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes of one of the most prestigious football academies in the country.
The day kicked off with an immersive training session led by two of Southampton’s highly respected academy coaches. The winners had the chance to take part in professional drills, develop their skills, and gain insights into the elite coaching methods used to nurture the next generation of footballing talent.
Following the session, guests were taken on a full tour of the Staplewood Training Ground, offering a glimpse into the state-of-the-art facilities where Southampton FC’s first team and academy players prepare for matchdays.
In August 2023, Peter Cooper Motor Group proudly sponsored the Heartbeat Foundation Golf Day at South Winchester Golf Club, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for this incredible charity.
The event brought together golf enthusiasts, businesses, and supporters, all uniting for a great cause—supporting the Heartbeat Foundation in its mission to improve cardiac care and provide essential resources for those affected by heart conditions. With a fantastic turnout, the day was filled with friendly competition, networking, and charitable giving, all set against the stunning backdrop of South Winchester Golf Club.
As a long-standing partner of the Heartbeat Foundation, we were honoured to be part of this special event.
In September 2023, Peter Cooper Motor Group was incredibly proud to be the Gold Sponsor for the Musicals from the Heart 30th Birthday Celebration, an event dedicated to raising vital funds for Wessex Heartbeat.
As long-standing supporters of the charity for over 25 years, we remain committed to helping Wessex Heartbeat continue its incredible work in supporting cardiac care throughout the South. The event was a spectacular evening filled with musical performances and heartfelt generosity, all in aid of raising essential funds for those affected by heart conditions.
Ahead of the celebration, Mark, CEO of Wessex Heartbeat, joined Darren Cooper, Managing Director of Peter Cooper Motor Group, at our Hedge End location to discuss the ongoing partnership and the charity’s mission.
We are honoured to stand alongside Wessex Heartbeat and support their continuous efforts in funding life-changing projects, research, and patient care. We look forward to continuing our partnership and backing future initiatives that make a real impact on people’s lives.
We were proud to support the Dementia Support Track Day at Goodwood Motor Circuit, raising vital funds for this incredible charity. Despite the unpredictable summer weather, the day was filled with excitement, generosity, and plenty of high-speed action—all in aid of supporting those affected by dementia.
As long-standing partners of Dementia Support, we have been involved in numerous fundraising initiatives over the years, including golf days and other charitable events. The track day provided another fantastic opportunity to contribute, bringing together participants for thrilling laps around one of the UK’s most iconic circuits while raising money for a truly important cause.
We were honoured to support St Wilfrid’s Hospice with an £850 donation on 11th July 2023, helping to fund a week’s worth of physiotherapy sessions for their patients. These sessions play a crucial role in maintaining strength, mobility, and independence for those in their care.
Darren Cooper, Managing Director of Peter Cooper Motor Group, expressed his appreciation for the hospice’s work:
"The hospice provides a wide range of services, offering physical, emotional, and social support to people within the community. It’s a pleasure to contribute and help them continue their outstanding care."
Richard Vandenburg, Brand Manager at Chichester Volkswagen, had the privilege of presenting the donation to the team at St Wilfrid’s Hospice, reinforcing our commitment to supporting local charities that make a real difference in people’s lives.
On 13th June 2023, we hosted another incredible Peter Cooper Motor Group Foundation Golf Day at Goodwood, raising an amazing £21,050 for the Peter Cooper Foundation. This vital funding will go directly towards supporting local people in need and charities across the South Coast.
The day was filled with competitive spirit, fantastic prizes, and a thrilling auction and raffle, with participants giving it their all to claim the top spot. While there could only be one winning team, every single participant played a crucial role in making the event such a success.
A massive thank you to our sponsors and everyone who took part – we couldn’t have done it without you! Your generosity and support continue to make a real difference in our community.
Watch the highlights and see who took home the trophy: https://youtu.be/TYkLSJ70CeU
Team members John, Aftersales Manager, and Matthew, a technician from Shirley, bravely took to the skies to raise funds for Youth Options, one of our long-standing partners.
John kicked things off with a 10,000-foot tandem skydive, experiencing an adrenaline-pumping 30 seconds of freefall at 125 mph. His efforts raised an impressive £802 for the charity, helping to support the vital work Youth Options does to engage and empower young people across the region.
Not to be outdone, Matthew also took to the skies for a 15,000-foot skydive, pushing himself further with this exciting challenge. Having previously completed a skydive, Matthew knew just how incredible the experience would be, and he raised £500 for Youth Options in the process! Matthew described the skydive as an unforgettable opportunity, and we are so proud of him for stepping up and making it happen.
Youth Options is a charity that supports children and young people, giving them the tools to succeed and improve their futures. They have been working with children, young people, and their families since 1937, and their ongoing work continues to make a huge difference in the lives of those who need it most.
You can find the full video of John’s skydive on our YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/44X61odatR0
Together, they raised £1,302 for Youth Options, and we’re incredibly proud of our team’s efforts in making this happen!
A massive congratulations to all the teams, players, officials, and volunteers who made the Bognor Regis Town Youth Football Tournament such a success over the past two weekends.
With over 200 teams competing across the weekends, the event truly brought grassroots football to life, providing children with an incredible opportunity to showcase their skills, make lasting memories, and enjoy the spirit of the game. This tournament continues to be a fantastic platform for young footballers to develop their talents and experience the joy of teamwork and sportsmanship.
We are incredibly proud to have supported this wonderful event and to have been a part of providing such an exciting and valuable experience for the youth in our community. We look forward to next year’s tournament and the continued growth and success of this brilliant initiative.
In June 2023, Peter Cooper Motor Group arranged a silent auction to raise funds for the Chichester Boys Club, supporting the incredible work they do within the local community.
The auction featured a 4-ball at the prestigious Goodwood Downs course, a wonderful prize that also included buggies for the day, providing the winner with a truly unforgettable golfing experience. Due to the value of the prize, we set a minimum bid of £200 to ensure that all funds raised went directly toward supporting the charity’s initiatives.
We are incredibly proud to have hosted this event and contributed to helping Chichester Boys Club continue their fantastic work. Thank you to everyone who took part, and we look forward to supporting future events that make such a positive impact on our community.
In a heart-warming event, Oscar, an 8-year-old boy born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1, was given a once-in-a-lifetime experience courtesy of the Peter Cooper Motor Group Foundation. Oscar’s condition, a rare and serious genetic disorder, affects his muscles and respiratory system, limiting his mobility and life expectancy. Despite the challenges he faces, Oscar has shown immense strength and resilience, far surpassing expectations for a child with SMA Type 1.
Junior McDougald, Co-Founder & CEO of Sports Connections Foundation, connected with Darren Cooper, Managing Director of Peter Cooper Motor Group, to help create a special day for Oscar, one that he and his family would never forget.
As part of this incredible experience, Oscar had the unique opportunity to meet the Southampton Football Team at their Staplewood Training Ground. Not only did Oscar get the chance to interact with his heroes, but he also had the thrill of driving a Ferrari—an experience most could only dream of! The day was made even more special when Oscar received a signed Southampton FC shirt and was then taken to watch his first-ever Saints game.
We were absolutely honoured to be part of this extraordinary experience, bringing smiles to Oscar’s face and offering him and his family memories that will last a lifetime. This experience truly highlighted the power of community and kindness, and we are proud to have made a difference in Oscar's life.
The Big Bike Challenge was an incredible event organised by the Saints Foundation, founded by Southampton Football Club, with the generous support of Peter Cooper Motor Group. This challenge aimed to raise funds and awareness for the Saints Foundation, a charity that supports local communities and helps young people reach their potential.
Peter Cooper Motor Group was proud to play a significant role in raising the profile of this event, supporting the riders throughout their 250-mile journey. The riders embarked on a challenging ride, cycling from Anfield (the home of Liverpool Football Club) all the way to St Mary's Stadium, the iconic home of Southampton Football Club.
One of the notable riders was Sam McQueen, who participated in this epic journey, pushing through the gruelling miles for a fantastic cause. The event was a testament to the determination and team spirit of everyone involved. Thanks to the collective effort of the riders and our support, the Big Bike Challenge successfully raised vital funds for the Saints Foundation, helping them continue their important work in the community.
We were incredibly proud to see Mark Ind present Darren Cooper with a Wessex Heart in recognition of Peter Cooper Motor Group's ongoing support for Wessex Heartbeat, a charity that plays a vital role in advancing cardiac care.
Wessex Heartbeat has been instrumental in funding the UK's first specialist 3D cardiac modelling software, which has revolutionised the way heart surgeons approach life-saving procedures. This cutting-edge technology enables surgeons to create an accurate 3D-printed model of children's hearts before surgery, providing critical insight and allowing for more precise and effective operations. It’s an innovation that has undoubtedly saved countless lives and will continue to transform the future of cardiac care.
We are immensely proud to support a charity that is truly changing lives, and we will continue to contribute to their life-saving work.
To donate and support this amazing charity, please visit: https://www.heartbeat.co.uk/donate/raise-money-for-3d-modelling
The Peter Cooper Motor Group is proud to continue supporting the Ex-Saints footballers, who dedicate their time and talents to playing charity football matches that raise funds for local causes.
On Friday, 19th May, football legends such as James Beattie, Glenn Cockerill, Jo Tessem, and Francis Benali took to the field to face off against the Hamble Police XI in a friendly match aimed at raising money for several incredible local charities.
This event supported a range of worthy causes, including Wessex Regional Care, Abby’s Heroes, Sophie’s Appeal, The Honeypot Children’s Charity, Mountbatten Hospice, and Dementia Support.
We are thrilled to have been part of such a fantastic event, and we look forward to more charity football matches hosted by the Ex-Saints team. Keep an eye on our Peter Cooper Motor Group social media channels, as the Ex-Saints will be playing more games across the south coast!
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported these amazing charities.
On May 2nd, 2023, Peter Cooper Motor Group had the privilege of supporting the Heartbeat Foundation at a fundraising event held at the prestigious Remedy Oak Golf Club in Bournemouth. Our very own Darren Cooper, Managing Director, participated in the tournament, marking the start of the day with a warm welcome of a bacon roll and coffee.
The sun shone brightly as participants took to the 18-hole golf course for a friendly yet competitive game. The event was a fantastic success, raising an incredible £23,876 for the Heartbeat Foundation, which supports vital cardiac care throughout the South.
Golfers were treated to a unique experience, with a pit stop at the popular Wessex Heartbeat Halfway House Gin Bar, before finishing the day with a three-course meal, charity raffle, and auction. The day also included awards for the winners and runners-up.
In addition to the tournament, Peter Cooper Motor Group added to the excitement by offering participants a chance to win a brand-new Volkswagen Up!, further contributing to the success of the day.
The Peter Cooper Motor Group was proud to sponsor the 20th Paul Jones Celebrity Golf Day at the prestigious Goodwood Golf Course, all in support of the incredible Chestnut Tree House charity. This special event was organised to raise funds for the vital work of Chestnut Tree House, which provides care and support to children with life-limiting conditions.
We were delighted to contribute alongside our sponsor to help Chestnut Tree House raise an outstanding £20,000 for their invaluable cause. The event was not only a success in terms of fundraising, but it was also a wonderful opportunity for attendees to come together and share their love for golf.
After the golf tournament, guests were invited to a black-tie dinner, which was a fantastic continuation of the day's efforts to raise funds. The three-course meal was superb, and the evening provided an excellent chance to connect with fellow supporters of the charity.
On Thursday, 3rd May 2023, we had the privilege of being one of the lead sponsors for the Ex-Saints Golf Day at the beautiful Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club. The day was filled with excitement and incredible weather, all in support of a variety of local charities.
The event saw teams of three paired with former Southampton FC players, managers, and celebrity guests to compete in a fun yet competitive golf tournament. The sun was shining, providing the perfect conditions for a memorable day out on the course.
After the tournament, all participants were invited to enjoy a delightful three-course dinner, accompanied by entertainment and a charity auction hosted by the talented Mike Osman. The evening was a fantastic opportunity to further support the local charities, with the funds raised going to those who need it most.
We are proud to have been part of such a successful event, helping raise £7,000 for local causes.
On 20th April 2023, the Peter Cooper Motor Group had the honour of being the headline sponsor for the Saints Foundation Charity Dinner, an incredible evening that raised an outstanding £127,000 for the charity. It was a truly special night, bringing together people from all walks of life to support the amazing work done by the Saints Foundation in our local community.
Our long-standing partnership with the Saints Foundation has allowed us to witness first-hand the impact this charity has on the lives of people in Southampton. The funds raised at this event will go directly towards supporting those in need throughout the city, providing life-changing opportunities for individuals, and helping the local community thrive.
The Saints Foundation's mission is clear: to create a city where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. We are incredibly proud to continue our support of this important cause.
In March 2023, the Peter Cooper Motor Group proudly supported the Dementia Support Golf Day for the second consecutive year, held at the Downs Course at Goodwood Kennels. This exciting and well-organised event was held in partnership with Dementia Support to raise both awareness and funds for this vital charity.
The day was packed with exciting activities, including a Hole-in-One Prize, a Sponsor a Hole-in-One Prize, and a fundraising raffle and auction. The participants enjoyed a fantastic day of golf, with plenty of tea, coffee, and bacon rolls to keep everyone fuelled as they completed the challenging 18-hole golf course.
Thanks to the generosity of all the participants and sponsors, the event raised an impressive £7,565. This amount will go towards supporting Dementia Support in their mission to improve the lives of those living with dementia and their families.
In 2022, Darren Cooper, our Managing Director, set the Peter Cooper Motor Group on a mission to support our charity partner, Youth Options, and help them raise money for their Big Give Programme. This initiative had a target of raising £5,000 between 30th November and 6th December 2022, with the added incentive that the donations would be doubled through a special matching program known as The Big Give.
Darren led the charge by organising a series of fundraising activities and events within the company to contribute towards this important goal. Among the events were a dress-down day and a cake sale, which raised £364. In addition, Peter Cooper Motor Group raffled off a Golf 4-Ball Auction through Youth Options, raising an additional £700. This brought the total contribution from our team to £1,064, proudly presented towards Youth Options' £5,000 target.
Thanks to our collective efforts, along with other generous donations, Youth Options surpassed their goal and raised an incredible £13,000 in total. We are beyond proud to have played a part in helping Youth Options reach their fundraising goal, supporting their ongoing mission to make a positive impact on young people’s lives.
In 2022, our Managing Director, Darren Cooper, along with Alex from Shoreham Vehicle Auctions, attended the Enterprise Gala Dinner, an evening dedicated to raising funds for various charitable causes. During the event, both Darren and Alex made a significant contribution to Children in Need.
Thanks to their generosity, they together donated an impressive £10,000, making a meaningful impact on the charity's ability to continue supporting children across the UK. Their combined donation is a testament to their commitment to giving back and helping those in need. We are incredibly proud of their contribution and thrilled to have been part of such a successful evening for an important cause.
In 2022, we were thrilled to be part of the incredible fundraising efforts by the Ex-Saints footballers, which raised an astounding £50,000 for various charitable causes. The milestone was celebrated with a special photo taken at St. Mary’s Stadium, the home of Southampton FC, featuring Darren Cooper, Matt Le Tissier, and James Beattie. This photo was also featured in the Daily Echo, highlighting the success of the year’s activities.
The funds raised were generated through a series of events, including golf days and football matches, bringing together supporters, players, and fans in a series of fun, charitable events. We are proud to have supported the Ex-Saints in their ongoing charitable work and look forward to continuing our partnership with them throughout the coming year.
Stay tuned to the Peter Cooper Motor Group social media channels for updates on future charity events and continued efforts to support local causes.
A huge congratulations to Stefan, our Hedge End Sales Executive, for completing the Romsey 5 Mile Run and raising an impressive £300 for the Peter Cooper Foundation. The funds raised will go towards supporting two fantastic causes: Cancer Research and JDRF (the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).
Stefan’s dedication and commitment to supporting these important causes are truly inspiring. We are proud to have him as part of our team and look forward to more efforts like this in the future!
In celebration of Peter Cooper Motor Group’s 40th Anniversary, we made a pledge to donate £40,000 to two causes close to our hearts: £20,000 to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and £20,000 to Cancer Research.
In 2021, our Managing Director, Darren Cooper, had the privilege of presenting checks to both charities, marking a significant milestone for us.
Type 1 diabetes is a life-changing condition, especially for children. Darren’s daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 in 2018, and his firsthand experience made him acutely aware of how relentless the daily monitoring and injections can be for children living with the condition. At Peter Cooper Motor Group, we are committed to accelerating the search for a cure and making life easier for children and families affected by Type 1 Diabetes.
Additionally, we have supported Cancer Research since June 2011, a cause that is particularly meaningful to Darren. In 2011, Darren’s mother, Lyn, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was given only 5–6 months to live. However, after seeking a second opinion, she underwent groundbreaking treatments that not only killed her brain tumour but also helped control other cancerous cells in her body.
At Peter Cooper Motor Group, we have always been committed to supporting local communities. For over 40 years, we’ve raised significant amounts for charity, but we rarely shared these achievements with the public. That all changed with the launch of our foundation.
As Darren Cooper, our Managing Director, explained, “Our foundation was born out of the desire to bring all our charitable activities under one umbrella. We wanted to create a long-term strategy for our charitable work in the community. It has helped us do just that.”
The Peter Cooper Foundation was established in 2021 to mark our 40th anniversary and to consolidate our charity work for the future. It also acknowledged the immense challenges faced by charities during the COVID-19 pandemic and the suffering it caused, especially for those who rely on charitable support.
To commemorate both our anniversary and the launch of our foundation, we pledged to raise £40,000, which was distributed to various charities.
As Darren continued, “Charities need our help more than ever, and we are committed to continuing our support and making a positive impact for years to come.
In October 2021, the Peter Cooper Motor Group Foundation teamed up with Kimbridge Barn to host a unique and exciting charity event – a drive-in cinema. This event wasn't just about enjoying a night out; it was a chance to raise much-needed funds for charity.
The event featured a large inflatable screen, a Bluetooth speaker system for each car, and, of course, delicious snacks and drinks from Kimbridge Barn, delivered straight to attendees’ cars, making the experience even more enjoyable!
Over the course of three nights, we screened some classic films, including Shawshank Redemption, Wolf of Wall Street, and Mamma Mia!.
The combination of fun, food, and films resulted in a memorable experience, all while raising money for charity. We're thrilled to have hosted such a fantastic event for a great cause.
Foot Down Out of Lockdown Challenge for Cancer Research and JDRF
In March 2021, the Peter Cooper Motor Group participated in the "Foot Down Out of Lockdown" challenge, aiming to raise money for two important charities: Cancer Research UK and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
Our Managing Director, Darren Cooper, led the way by setting an ambitious goal to complete 400,000 steps in 30 days. Not only did he meet this target, but he exceeded it, achieving an impressive 500,000 steps! This initiative was part of our ongoing commitment to driving positive change and supporting vital causes. We're incredibly proud of the team's effort and the funds raised!