Gerry Dooley, an accountant at Top 100 accountancy firm Grunberg & Co, has driven almost 400 miles down the full length of the M1 to celebrate the carriageways opening and to raise money for charity.
Gerry shares a close connection with the M1 having been born in the same year that it opened. To celebrate his and the motorway’s 60th birthdays, he set off from Brent Cross in north London, near to his firm’s office in Colindale and travelled past Leeds to the end of the M1.
Setting off at 9.30am on Saturday 16th November, Gerry spent five hours travelling in his car and in doing so helped to raise more than £400 for Miracles.
Miracles is Grunberg & Co’s chosen annual charity and so far the firm has collected over £5,500 in donations through its various fundraising activities, which have included a skydive and a walk to the top of the O2.
Miracles support children and their families living in poverty and help them through crises such as serious illness. They respond to calls for support within 24 hours which is what makes them unique. They ensure that support is there for families when they need it and when it has the most impact. 
Speaking about the challenge, Gerry said: “1959 was a momentous year and saw a number of landmarks in British history including the opening of the M1 and the birth of the famous Mini. 
“My birth may not have been quite as momentous, but I am glad I could celebrate it by raising money for Miracles. The journey was long but well worth it.”
Robert Bean, Managing Partner at Grunberg & Co, said: “Gerry has worked in our tax team for more than 22 years and when he said he wanted to raise money for Miracles by commemorating the opening of the M1 everyone got behind him.
“A large number of our team turned out on Saturday to wave him off and we were delighted when we heard he had achieved his challenge. The money he has raised will go a long way to supporting Miracles.”
To find out more about Grunberg & Co’s fundraising for Miracles, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/grunbergmiracles