UNDER STARTER’S ORDERS: Steph Coll, Ryan Coll, Stephen Wailes, Katrina Wailes, Amelia Wailes, Jessica Wailes and Murat Ozkanli before the start of the Red Bull Soapbox Race
UNDER STARTER’S ORDERS: Steph Coll, Ryan Coll, Stephen Wailes, Katrina Wailes, Amelia Wailes, Jessica Wailes and Murat Ozkanli before the start of the Red Bull Soapbox Race

A DARING family has raised more than £500 for the region’s air medics by taking part in the infamous Red Bull Soapbox Race.

Stephen Wailes along with daughters Stephanie, Jessica and Amelia have always been fans of the wacky races and took just six weeks to build their kart before the big day.

Under the team name of Powerbluff Girls, Jessica took charge of steering while Stephanie clung on for dear life.

Stephanie said: “It couldn’t have gone any better.

“Jess realised on the first jump we had brake problems, so slowing down went out the window.

“We got up to 28mph. I came out of my seat, the chassis completely bent on the final jump and we went full speed into the hay bales at the bottom – but it was a clear round, over the finish line.

“We only came away with minor bruising and sore throats from all the screaming and shouting.”

She added: “We’re grateful for everyone on the team and our cheerleaders.

“We can’t wait to do it again.

“We were number 53 in the queue of 60 so our soapbox had sat in the sun all day, and the glue had melted, resulting him losing a mouth and eye by the time we reached the finish line.”

Jessica added: “It was my best day ever and I would do it over and over again.”

The family’s fundraising page will continue until they get the full results of the day and find out where they were placed.

One judge gave the team a maximum ten points, while two gave nine and the fourth eight points.

People can support the Great North Air Ambulance Service fundraiser by visiting https://gofund.me/ 2775b1cb.

The full race can be viewed at https://shorturl.at/rqWa3.