Hundreds of motoring enthusiasts gathered for a special meet that also raised money for a worthy cause.

Eastern Daily Press: Hundreds gathered at Treadz on Phoenix Enterprise Park in Lowestoft for a Cars and Coffee meet. Picture: Ian ThompsonHundreds gathered at Treadz on Phoenix Enterprise Park in Lowestoft for a Cars and Coffee meet. Picture: Ian Thompson (Image: Archant)

Hosted by tyre fitting company Treadz at their base in Lowestoft, 'Cars and Coffee' saw petrolheads from across the area come together to share their common interest.

Amid soggy weather conditions, visitors at the Phoenix Enterprise Park enjoyed a rare opportunity to see Damon Hill's old Formula 1 car, not to mention an abundance of other customised creations.

Eastern Daily Press: Ian Thompson hosted 'Cars and Coffee' at his tyre fitting business Treadz, based on Phoenix Enterprise Park in Lowestoft. Picture: Thomas ChapmanIan Thompson hosted 'Cars and Coffee' at his tyre fitting business Treadz, based on Phoenix Enterprise Park in Lowestoft. Picture: Thomas Chapman (Image: Archant)

The event on Sunday, April 7, was meanwhile raising funds for Suffolk one-year-old Emily Mullen, who suffers from a range of health conditions meaning she is now classed as terminally ill.

Emily, who is completely blind, was last June given just six months to live. Her family has since been fundraising to give her the best possible quality of life, including a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disneyland which Emily is currently enjoying.

Eastern Daily Press: Hundreds gathered at Treadz on Phoenix Enterprise Park in Lowestoft for a Cars and Coffee meet. Picture: Ian ThompsonHundreds gathered at Treadz on Phoenix Enterprise Park in Lowestoft for a Cars and Coffee meet. Picture: Ian Thompson (Image: Archant)

'Considering the rubbish weather we had a brilliant turnout and everybody mucked in to raise around £800 for Emily, which is not to be sniffed at,' said Treadz owner Ian Thompson.

'Emily's story really struck a chord with people at the Cars and Coffee meet, especially the families who came along. The fundraising is all about creating memories throughout the remainder of her life.'

Eastern Daily Press: Hundreds gathered at Treadz on Phoenix Enterprise Park in Lowestoft for a Cars and Coffee meet. Picture: Ian ThompsonHundreds gathered at Treadz on Phoenix Enterprise Park in Lowestoft for a Cars and Coffee meet. Picture: Ian Thompson (Image: Archant)

The meet also served as an opportunity to generate interest in the park, with several units remaining unoccupied six months on from the park's opening in October last year.

Mr Thompson has previously voiced his frustration at the apparent lack of work being done by Suffolk County Council to fill the units, forcing him to find alternative ways of drumming up awareness.

Eastern Daily Press: Hundreds gathered at Treadz on Phoenix Enterprise Park in Lowestoft for a Cars and Coffee meet. Picture: Ian ThompsonHundreds gathered at Treadz on Phoenix Enterprise Park in Lowestoft for a Cars and Coffee meet. Picture: Ian Thompson (Image: Archant)

'These meets are a way of putting us on the map and raising awareness because lots of people still don't realise that we or the park even exist,' added Mr Thompson.

'Some people came from as far away as Chelmsford and then there are others who live just a couple of miles away who didn't even know we are here.

Eastern Daily Press: Among the attractions at Treadz's Cars and Coffee meet in Lowestoft was Damon Hill's old Formula 1 car. Picture: Ian ThompsonAmong the attractions at Treadz's Cars and Coffee meet in Lowestoft was Damon Hill's old Formula 1 car. Picture: Ian Thompson (Image: Archant)

'The good thing is that there are more people coming to look at the units than ever before. Word is beginning to spread but we'll definitely be holding more Cars and Coffee events in the future.'

Eastern Daily Press: Among the attractions at Treadz's Cars and Coffee meet in Lowestoft was Damon Hill's old Formula 1 car. Picture: Ian ThompsonAmong the attractions at Treadz's Cars and Coffee meet in Lowestoft was Damon Hill's old Formula 1 car. Picture: Ian Thompson (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Among the attractions at Treadz's Cars and Coffee meet in Lowestoft was Damon Hill's old Formula 1 car. Picture: Ian ThompsonAmong the attractions at Treadz's Cars and Coffee meet in Lowestoft was Damon Hill's old Formula 1 car. Picture: Ian Thompson (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Hundreds gathered at Treadz on Phoenix Enterprise Park in Lowestoft for a Cars and Coffee meet. Picture: Ian ThompsonHundreds gathered at Treadz on Phoenix Enterprise Park in Lowestoft for a Cars and Coffee meet. Picture: Ian Thompson (Image: Archant)