GTG Training & Insight Radio at the Race Track!

GTG Training is often inundated with unique requests to use its exceptional facilities. From car launches and breakfast seminars to leaving functions and awards ceremonies, the distinctive building on South Street, Glasgow has been utilised for a variety occasions. However the latest request, received from Insight Radio, was certainly the most exciting to date.

For this request, one of the training Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) at GTG in Edinburgh was called into action. Normally used to instruct participants in the skills and principles involved in driving LGVs to a standard whereby they can pass the Driving Standard Agency Driving Test, the LGV vehicle this time was going to be driven around Ingleston Royal Highland Centre race course by Jill Daley from Insight Radio.

Having lost her sight 12 years ago at the age of 19 due to diabetic retinopathy, an illness that left her completely blind in the space of two weeks, Jill then faced considerable difficulties having to cope with sudden sight loss. She said, "I felt that the world, which was about to be come my oyster, suddenly became a tightly closed clam. I thought, ‘What on earth am I going to do with my life now and how am I going to go about it?'"

In a bid to learn new skills, Jill decided to become involved with hospital radio which in turn enabled her to secure her position with Insight Radio, Europe's first radio station for blind and partially sighted people. Part of her radio show is Fun Friday where brave and some would say mad Jill, accepts challenges to try something different that perhaps you wouldn't normally expect a blind person to try. Previous escapades include piloting a helicopter, making cocktails and becoming a footballer! Now was Jill's chance to try her hand at LGV driving and GTG Training was only too happy to help.

Following a short safety briefing Jill was given an in-depth explanation of the LGV's controls. Expertly guided by Billy Hammond, GTG transport manager and Tommy McCluskey, GTG LGV driving instructor, Jill skilfully and successfully manoeuvred her way around the race track. Having put the pedal to the metal, Jill was ecstatic about her driving experience and was very grateful for all at GTG who helped make it happen.

David Scott, GTG chief executive, was also on hand to witness Jill's outstanding achievement and said, "My enduring memory of the day is the incredible trust which Jill put in us as absolute strangers. I have no doubt that she is truly inspirational to others within the blind community, especially the young, and it was an honour to play a small part in her latest challenge."

To find out more on what GTG can do for you whether it be learning a new skill, hiring the eye-catching glass atrium for a product launch or starting a Modern Apprenticeship, call 0844 826 8870 (Glasgow) or 0844 826 8873 (Edinburgh).