Motoscape in the Press

READ ALL ABOUT IT… Many of our Motoscapers who take part in our rallies for charity get featured in their local papers. This is a great way to get publicity for your fund raising!

2019 Press

Take a look at the following articles in relation to teams that took part in the 2019 Motoscape Rally:

The Dosebusters’ set to cross Europe for Wirral hospital charity

Wirral Globe

A team of radiographers from Arrowe Park Hospital is preparing to drive through eight European countries for charity.
Cara, Jenny, Grace and Emma – also known as ‘The Dosebusters’ – will take part in the Motoscape Rally to raise funds for Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust’s charity.
Leaving Arrowe Park Hospital on Friday, September 6, the group will drive across eight countries in five days: UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria and Italy.
They hope to cross the finish line in Venice on September 11 and have an ambitious target to raise £15,000, leading up to the final event in September.
A team spokeswoman said: “We have already had some great support from our colleagues in our department, but we need your help! So let’s #motorvateforthe8!
“Our next event is planned with fire fighters at Heswall fire station on May 25 between 10am-4pm.
“We would love as many people as possible to come and meet the team and get your car washed!”
As Radiographers the team undertake a broad portfolio of diagnostic examinations and work including X-ray, ultrasound and magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
A vital aspect to their role is ensuring that any radiation dose used is safely monitored which is why they have named themselves “The Dosebusters”.
Victoria Burrows, head of fundraising for Wirral University Teaching Hospital said: “The team are doing a fantastic job and already have over £6000 towards their target!
“You can follow their journey or support via
www.justgiving.com/campaign/motorvateforthe8

View link to original article in the Wirral Globe

Toy Story car will transport Okehampton couple to Venice and beyond

Okehampton Times

An Okehampton couple are setting out on the road trip of a lifetime across Europe in September dressed as the characters Buzz and Woody from the Toy Story films.
Lisa and Nelson Voaden will drive to Venice and beyond in a 2003 VW Golf which has been lovingly resurrected as RC, Buzz and Woody’s escape car.
The couple carried out the transformation of the MOT write-off on a budget of just £500 with help from friends and long-time customers.
They are heading off on the trip after recently selling their garage business NV Motors on Mill Road, which they have run for the past 17 years.
Lisa said: ‘Over this time we have amassed lots of customers, many of whom have become friends. We will be gradually phasing ourselves out over the next few months ensuring a smooth transition and leaving NV Motors in the capable hands of the new owner Tim.
‘As a thank-you we wanted to do something to give a bit back to the local community and choosing a banger rally to raise funds for Devon Air Ambulance seemed a fitting way to do it.’
She added: ‘Our challenge was to create the best vehicle we could to get us around Europe for a maximum budget of £500. We have achieved this thanks to a lot of help and support from many, including our customers who provided the poorly MOT write-off VW Golf, the staff at NV Motors who nursed it back to health, Taff who created the shiny new green and blue coat, Metamark who supplied the vinyl stickers and, of course, Mark from Pid Signz who did such an amazing job of bringing our Toy Story banger RC to life.’
Lisa and Nelson will be setting out from Okehampton on September 6, the first part of their journey to Venice being in an organised rally.
‘The first part of our trip to Venice is an organised event with Motoscape which will involve various challenges along the way,’ said Lisa.
‘After Venice, as long as our car is still going strong, we will be carrying on our road trip across Italy calling in at Pisa and Cinque Terre then onto Monaco and the French Riviera.
‘After this the plan is along the coast to Barcelona then homeward bound through Spain and France. The total trip will take approximately two to three weeks.’
They hope to raise £1,000 for the Devon Air Ambulance in sponsorship.
A number of local businesses are sponsoring them and have their logos on the car.
To sponsor Lisa and Nelson visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nelsonandlisatoveniceandbeyond or call in at NV Motors.

View link to original article in the Okehampton Times

Lad and dad revved up for char­ity drive with a bang

The Beresford Boys Macclesfield Express
A Father and son team with a com­bined age of more than 130 hope to drive a 22-year-old car from Mac­cles­field and over the Alps to Venice. Mark and Michael Beres­ford, 53 and 79, will take part in the Mo­toscape Rally, a char­ity event where com­peti­tors race old banger cars.
They spent £1,000 on a 1997 Audi con­vert­ible, which they will drive down to Saint Omer, in North France, for the start of the rally on Satur­day, Septem­ber 7. Cov­er­ing be­tween 300 to 350 miles a day they hope to reach the Ital­ian city by the fol­low­ing Wed­nes­day and raise £1,000 for char­ity Space4Autism in the process.
While they are away Michael, who will share the driv­ing, cel­brates his 80th birth­day. Mark, of Con­gle­ton Road, said: “It is a long
dis­tance in a car that has done 145,000 miles, leaks oil – al­though less than it did – and is 22-years-old.
“We go over the Stelvio Pass, in Aus­tria, which has 60 hair­pin bends and is known as a car killer. But I’ll have a role of duct tape and some WD40. “It will be a great ex­pe­ri­ence and I’m look­ing for­ward to spend­ing some time with my dad. “It will be our first hol­i­day to­gether since I was 15.”
To get the duo – who will ride un­der the name the Beres­ford Boys and dress up like the Blues Broth­ers – to Venice and back the Audi will have to cover around 2,500 miles. Rules state that cars tak­ing part must be ei­ther 20 years old or cost less than £500.
Michael, of South West Av­enue, Bolling­ton, is re­tired but Mark has had to take time off from his job as a care­taker at Park Royal Com­mu­nity School. A prize is given to the win­ning team al­though the event is more about the money raised for char­ity.
The Beres­ford Boys chose Space4Autism as Mark’s son Joel, 13, has re­ceived sup­port from the Mac­cles­field-based or­gan­i­sa­tion.
The dad-of-two said: “We have re­ceived a tremen­dous amount of sup­port as a fam­ily, Space4Autism has been in­valu­able and this is a way of giv­ing back”. Mark and Michael aim to raise £1,000, any­one wish­ing to spon­sor them can visit the JustGiv­ing web­site and search Mac­cles­field-Venice Banger Rally 2019.

View link to original article in the Macclesfield Express

2017 Press

Take a look at the following articles in relation to teams that took part in the 2017 Motoscape Rally:

Duo take on charity rally in £500 banger

The LambourgooniesDerbyshire Times 21st June 2017

A DARING duo are putting their faith in a £500 ‘banger’ to help them complete a charity rally across eight European countries. Andrew Wakefield, who works for the Derbyshire Times and his teammate Eliot Broomfield will attempt the Motoscape Rally this September to drum-up donations for the Children’s Air Ambulance. If the journey goes to plan the ‘Lamborgoonies’ will return in their budget motor to the UK – extending the trip to more than 2,300 miles.
Their chariot for the adventure – an old Saab estate car – will also be their hotel for the evening as they rough it to help increase their tally.
From the start line in Saint Omer, France their route will take in highlights such as the Stelvio Pass – which, with its 60 hairpin bends to negotiate, was voted the best driving road in the world by Top Gear in 2008 – to the chequered flag in Venice.
Resplendent in various bizarre fancy dress costumes and behind the wheel of a ‘ratted’ motor car the pair are hoping to complete various Motoscape and driving challenges along the way and generate hundreds for their chosen charity in the process. Andrew, 37, Deputy Communities Content Editor for the DT, said: “We were looking for some kind of adventure to tackle and with Eliot’s experience as an mechanic and my ‘can do’ attitude I’m sure we have everything we need to help us across the finish line. “With hindsight we could have given ourselves more time to plan for the trip – we have just over two months to gather supplies and ensure our transport is up to scratch – however it does somewhat add to the chaos and adventure.”
Among the other highlights of the trip – once the pair have managed to get their banger across the Channel to the starting line – are an opportunity to drive around the famous Nürburgring, which has hosted the German and European Formula 1 Grand Prix races. Eliot, 44, said: “As a self-confessed petrol-head the Nurburgring is a must for me. I’m just hoping that I don’t have to do too much work under the bonnet as I am fully aware of the capabilities of my team mate. The journey itself will be fantastic – an adventure of a lifetime.”
The pair are hoping people will sponsor them to complete their challenge – which is being tackled to raise funds for the Children’s Air Ambulance. The national service is the first and only dedicated helicopter transfer service for critically ill children – a flying intensive care unit. Their fundraising target is £750 – with every penny going to the charity. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thelamborgoonies

View link to original article in the Derbyshire Times

 

Friends gearing up for rally across eight countries in five days for Wellingborough charity

Not So TouringNorthants Telegraph 16th June 2017

A group of friends are getting ready to take on the challenge of eight countries in five days in a Honda Accord. The rally will see the Not So Touring team travelling through England, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria and Italy. But as well as visiting attractions popular with petrolheads along the way, including the Nurburgring and the Ferrari Museum, they will also be raising money for Niamh’s Next Step.

The Wellingborough-based charity was set up to raise awareness and money for research into neuroblastoma, the childhood cancer which Niamh Curry died from when she was just five in May 2012.
The Not So Touring team is made up of James Pettit from Kettering, Will Li from Milton Keynes and Matthew Almond and Chris Kennedy from Northampton. Matthew said it is the team’s second time on the rally raising money for Niamh’s Next Step, but with different members from when they first did it in 2015. The team are supporting Niamh’s Next Step and he added: “We have chosen this charity because firstly it’s a local charity to us all and brings awareness to such a harsh yet unknown form of cancer.”
The team is taking part in the Motoscape Rally 2017, a road trip around Europe which is billed as the ‘ultimate banger rally experience.’ The idea is to buy a car for £500 or less, turn it into a wacky, eye-catching masterpiece and drive it along some of the greatest roads in Europe. Not So Touring’s car is a Honda Accord worth £400 and they are hoping it will get them to the finishing line. Once they have finished working on the car and ahead of starting the rally on September 5, the team is planning to drive it to different events to gain more interest and raise awareness for Niamh’s Next Step.And they are really grateful for the support received so far, with a message posted on the team’s Facebook page saying: “We would like to thank you all who have donated and shown your support thus far, it means a lot to us all.”

To keep up-to-date with the team and their progress during the rally, follow @notsotouring on Twitter or search for www.facebook.com/notsotouring on Facebook.

They have raised more than £500 so far, but anyone wishing to add to this total can do so by clicking here For more information about Niamh’s Next Step, click here

View link to original article on Northants Telegraph

 

2016 Press

Take a look at the following articles in relation to teams that took part in the 2016 Motoscape Rally:

Students take on Top Gear-style challenge to raise funds for St Margaret of Scotland Hospice

wcs-group-photoglasgowlive.co.uk 11th November 2016

A team of five intrepid students and lecturers from West College Scotland in Clydebank have taken on a Top Gear-style challenge across Europe to raise more than £800 for charity.
In two revamped cars, the group set off on the trip of a lifetime for the Motoscape Banger Rally, driving through 12 countries in seven days to reach their destination of Prague in the Czech Republic.
The quintet – students Allister Linstead, 26, from Knightswood; Christopher McKenzie, 18 from East Kilbride and David Henry, 29, from Paisley, accompanied by the college Motor Vehicle course’s curriculum and quality leader Alastair Fleming and technician Murray Miller – were rewarded for their dedication through donations to their chosen charity, St Margaret of Scotland Hospice.
They joined 29 other teams who took in the spectacular scenery of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia and Czech Republic before arriving at their final destination in the Czech capital.
But before setting out, the students, under the watchful eye of their lecturers, had to work hard to get their cars in shape for the race, which took place in September.
But the repair work, like the trip itself, proved to be an amazing learning experience for the students.
Allister Linstead said: “Getting to drive cross country was an opportunity we may never get again so I’m delighted I was selected to be part of the team.
“As a team we got on great, which was just as well given that we had to spend up to nine hours a day in a car with each other.
“There was a great sense of team spirit across all the teams and everyone helped each other when needed.
“We were fortunate not to have any problems with our cars but others weren’t so lucky.”
One of the vehicles – an out-of- use Renault Megane – was donated by Whitecrook man Michael Smith and required some serious work to make it not only roadworthy, but able to cope with a round trip of more than 4000 miles.
Alastair Fleming, who rallied the group together for the trip, added: “It was a tough but an enriching challenge to help raise money for St Margaret of Scotland Hospice.
“The students were selected based on their achievements and qualifications, including having a full, clean driving licence.
“The boys put the skills learned over the past couple of years to good use. They’ve proved they’ve got the ability so we had every faith in them.”
The total raised for St Margaret of Scotland Hospice was raised to £1334, after the students’ Motor Vehicle colleagues organised a car wash event which added £489 to the donations for the Rally.
Hospice Chief Executive Sister Rita said: “The students and lecturers who took part in this activity have gone to amazing lengths to support us and we are truly grateful for that.
“It is wonderful to hear about the learning experiences they have had and how the local community and College have clubbed together to make this possible for them.
“And of course, we are delighted that their efforts in the Rally have raised vital and welcome funds for the worthiest of causes.”
The JustGiving page for the WCS rally team is still open if you would like to donate.

View link to original article on glasgowlive.co.uk

 

Rally driver vows to prove you can have fun and stay safe with 3,000-mile return trip to Prague

Viking WarriorsHerald Express 10th April 2016

A partially blind Torquay man is trying to prove to youngsters that you can have fun in a car safely.
Dudley Rae, 32, from Torquay, and his co-pilots are going to drive from Torquay to Prague and back to raise money and awareness of the Think Amy drive safely campaign.
The father of three is the founder of the Viking Warriors, who exist to raise money for various charities.
Four years ago, Dudley and his family received the devastating diagnosis that he had not one, but two, brain tumours.

They were told then that he had a life expectancy of about a year.
The tumours had caused complete loss of vision in one eye and a significant loss in the other.
For most people such terrible news would hardly be seen as a motivational force, yet that is exactly how Dudley is using it, as a huge driving force behind the amazing charitable work he has achieved to date and the plans he has for the future.
Now after treatment, he has beaten all the odds and survived but is completely blind in one eye and has significant loss of vision in the other.
Having founded the Viking Warriors, they are fundraising for the Torbay Holiday Helpers Network, the Royal Marines’ Association, and the Think Amy — Drive Safe for Life education programme.
The Think Amy campaign was set up in 2011 in memory of 13-year-old Amy Rose Hofmeister, who died after a crash in Taunton, Somerset.
The campaign, which is all about ensuring people think carefully when they are on the roads, has recently been launched in South Devon with the roll-out supported by building supplies firm Inter-Line, Hyundai Torbay and Caterfood.
Dudley, alongside two professional drivers, will be driving more than 3,000 miles in September.
Dudley added: “Before I lost my eyesight, I was very passionate about cars and driving and it was something that I was always interested it in.
“Like anyone, when I was younger I thought that I was invincible on the roads but you are not.
“Youngsters seem to think that they can do anything. Children think they can do anything on the roads but they need to know what the consequences are.
“I don’t want anyone to face what Amy’s mum did and that is the message I want to get across.”
He said: “I approached Torbay Hyundai and learnt about Think Amy. I realised immediately what a great opportunity it would be to help this fantastic charity as well.
“I met with Jane Hofmeister, Amy’s mum, to find out more about Think Amy,” said Dudley.
“I’m a car enthusiast and I used to love driving and the freedom of it but that’s all been taken away from me. I want to prove to people that it’s not about your disability.
“If you’re passionate you can still do things, you just have to take a slightly different route to achieve it.
“I have two professional drivers and myself as the navigator.
“After my diagnosis, we received the help and support of a number of charities and other organisations, they gave me the strength and I managed to beat the odds.
“Through several different types of treatment I came out the other end. Yes, my life is now completely different because of my eyesight.
“If it wasn’t for all the charities out there, I wouldn’t have got the support I needed, which helped me to prove them all wrong and beat the odds.”
Dudley is also throwing a lot of effort into Viking Warriors www.vikingwarriors.co.uk, which he set up to fundraise for charities.
“After receiving the tremendous support I got, what I do now is help to raise money for charity because these charities wouldn’t be around if we’re not there to support them as they supported me in my time of need,” he added.
“I’m very keen to continue working with Jane Hofmeister and Think Amy. I could dwell a lot on what’s happened to me, but you have to move on, to deliver a powerful meaning that you can get over it.
“Why not help by educating people that you can make things better for somebody else?”
Throughout the summer, they will be taking the car to shows, festivals and, of course, the main event in September.

Go to www.justgiving.com/dudley-rae?utm_id=101 to donate.

View Link to Original Article

2015 Press

Take a look at the following articles in relation to teams that took part in the 2015 Motoscape Rally:

Beatson Cancer: Strathaven Ex-Tablers 41 Club fundraise in Motoscape Rally

BeatsonDaily Record
3rd October 2015

Pals get in old Volvo estate and take part in banger rally across Europe.

It was Venice or bust for four members of the Strathaven Ex-Tablers 41 Club recently.

Gordon Morrison, Alastair Campbell, Allan Paterson and Jeff Wright completed a banger rally across Europe to Venice to raise funds for the Beatson Cancer Charity, making nearly £5000 .

The team initially considered just doing the trip for fun but it soon became apparent that it would be an excellent opportunity to raise funds for charity and with a family member currently undergoing treatment, the choice to support the Beatson Cancer Charity was an easy one.

Alastair said: “All the best plans start in the pub, and this one was no exception. Someone said ‘How do you fancy driving an old banger across Europe?’ and team Gondolier Ecosse was born.”

The team signed up for the Motoscape Rally which runs from northern France through seven countries with participants having to reach Venice in four days. To take part teams must buy a car for less than £333. In this case it was an old Volvo estate.

The car was prepped and themed and after a send-off from the Common Green in Strathaven the lads drove overnight to reach the start of the rally proper in St Omer, France, and join 40 other teams from across the UK.

Jeff said: The Motoscape rally is not a race but the organisers do set daily challenges for points and we were delighted to discover on reaching Venice that we had won the rally, receiving a substantial cash boost to our fundraising.

“Thanks to this, along with sponsorship from two companies, Strathaven and District Round Table and many generous donations from friends and family, we have raised a total to date of over £4700 for the Beatson.”

Go to www.justgiving.com/allan-gordon-jeff-alastair to donate.

View Link to Original Article

Exeter railway workers to drive through 12 countries in seven days for charity

Red ArrowsExeter Express
1st September 2015

Exeter railway workers to drive through 12 countries in seven days for charity

A Team of Exeter First Great Western Railway workers are setting off on an epic adventure to raise money for charity.

Train drivers, Mark Gibbs, David Fowkes and guard, Tristan Courtier from Dawlish, are being accompanied by Andrew Cheetham, a Guard from Plymouth, to take on the 2015 Motoscape Rally.

The dedicated team whose colleague, Geoff Fidler, had prostate cancer, will leave this Friday, September 4 from Dawlish Railway station at 1.30pm, before catching the ferry to Dunkirk on Saturday and meeting the other teams in Saint Omer.

They will drive from Dawlish to Prague travelling through 12 countries in seven days to raise money towards a mobile ultrasound scanner for Exmouth Hospital to help reduce waiting times across South Devon for prostate cancer screening. The dedicated team, whose colleague had prostate cancer, will leave this Friday, September 4 from Dawlish Railway station at 1.30pm, before catching the ferry to Dunkirk on Saturday and meeting the other teams in Saint Omer.
Their car has been decorated in a Red Arrows theme, which represents the support they have received from the Arrows, who gave them a limited edition signed print which they auctioned at a charity football match and raised £250.

Mark Gibbs said: “We chose to support the First Devon and Exeter Prostate Cancer Fund as it was set up by a colleague, Geoff Fidler, who had prostate cancer at the beginning of the year. He wants to raise £20,000 this year, so as a depot we’ve all got behind him to support and help him reach his goal.

“I’ve wanted to do the Motoscape rally for a few years but haven’t, until now, been in a position to do it.

“One in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime so odds say that there’s a 50% chance one of us in our car will get it. Who doesn’t want to get that percentage down?”

View Link to Original Article

Manic’ journey for parents who drove through 12 countries in eight days

Gran Autismo newsTwyford Advertiser
18th September 2015

Manic’ journey for parents who drove through 12 countries in eight days

Nick and Sally Buckland, whose four-year-old son, Jamie, has autism, arrived back from the Motoscape Rally on Sunday after setting off on Saturday, September 5.

The challenge was to buy a car worth no more than £333, decorate it, and drive it from the UK to the Czech Republic via France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy and Slovenia.

“It was more manic than we expected it to be,” said Nick, an IT project manager.

“You get from country to country very quickly, and it’s a bit of a dash, so you have to keep up with what language you are speaking.”

The Bucklands, of Packman Drive, had to change car three times after various faults but Nick commended the quality of the 21-year-old Toyota MR2 they ended up taking with them.

The 41-year-old, who decorated the yellow vehicle in the style of a Jordan F1 from the late 1990s, said: “There was no problem at all with the car.

“It even managed to get over 100mph on the autobahn in Germany without a problem.”

Having driven more than 2,500 miles, Nick said the motorways could become quite boring but described scenery in countries such as Austria as ‘stunning.’

Jamie and their other son, Jack, seven, who stayed with Nick’s parents for the week, kept up-to-date with their parents travels by following their Twitter and Facebook updates.

One of the most outstanding features of the challenge, Nick said, was the welcoming nature of people across Europe.

“On the way back we were struggling to find a petrol station and were getting really low,” he said.

“We found somewhere, but for some reason our card wouldn’t work. A Belgian guy came up and offered to put it on his card in exchange for cash. That was the kind of attitude they had.”

Nick confirms that he will be keeping the car, as Jamie wouldn’t forgive him if he got rid of it.

He added: “People will still see me around for a little while longer.

“I am pretty hard to miss.”

The couple have raised more than £1,600 so far for Berkshire Autistic Society, which is based in Reading.

Visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/granautismo to sponsor them.

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1,000 mile charity ‘banger’ drive to Italy

So last yearWhite Horse News
25th August 2015

1,000 mile charity ‘banger’ drive to Italy

SIX local people will be joining this year’s Motoscape Rally and driving nearly 1,000 miles in cheap old cars to raise money for Westbury Lions.

Natasha Penny, owner of Busy Books accountants, will be driving one of three cars which will travel 991 miles from Saint-Omer in France to Venice in just five days. All cars in the challenge must be ‘bangers’ bought for under £333, and are decorated for the rally’s costume competition.

This will be Natasha’s second year of entering the rally and she will be sharing driving duties with Matt Rowe, director of Westbury’s Hire Standards.

The two of them will be taking part alongside local friends Kevin and Jackie Peters dressed as Cluedo characters for the ‘Naughty Vicar’s Vacation’ and Steve and Wendy Payne as ‘Wifey and the Bandit.’

Natasha said, “I’m really looking forward to the rally – I had such a brilliant time doing it last year I just had to do it again!

“We’re raising money for Westbury Lions because it’s a great local cause; it’s a not-for-profit organisation and 100% of donations are put back into the community.

“The car this year is a BMW 330 which we bought with no MOT. It’s taken a bit of work and we’ve fully resprayed it to look like the rally’s mascot. Matt and I will be dressing up as the race organisers to try and win favour in the costume competition!”

Last year Natasha completed the rally in a 1994 Toyota Celica in the style of a Wacky Races character, which she later sold on eBay for £200.

“I’m really looking forward to driving on the Nurburgring again,” she continued. “The BMW is a lot faster so it should be fun! It has a lot to live up to, though; last year’s car completed the entire journey to Prague without a hitch.

“A big thank you to KS Motors, Challenge Tyres, Elliott Motor Services and Compugraphic for getting the car ready to go!”

Having raised over £1,300 for the RUH in last year’s effort, Natasha would like to reach £1,000 this year and has already received £600 so far.

You can donate to Natasha’s rally online atwww.busybookswestbury.co.uk/fundraising

The Motoscape Rally is a banger rally started in 2005, which last year saw around 180 people drive across the continent in decorated old cars.

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Great Yarmouth friends ready to race in £300 car

Cougar Gt YarmouthNorwich Evening News
10 August 2015

Great Yarmouth friends ready to race in £300 car

Two friends are set to take to the road in a 1998 Ford Cougar driving from England to Italy in five days, to raise money to help local children with disabilities and terminal illness.

David Bernasconi and Ian Cade will be lining up for the Motoscape Rally in September alongside dozens of other competitors – all of whom will be travelling in cars bought for £333 or less as dictated by one of the key rules.

Travelling through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany and Austria, the final stop on the 1,500 mile journey is Venice.

David, 52, of Garfield Road, Great Yarmouth, who works as a carer for the disabled said: “This is not a race, more of a fun rally. The serious side of it is that we want to use this as a way of raising money for the Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children to support equipment needs in Norfolk.”

Newlife is the largest charity funder of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness in the UK.

“We chose Newlife after reading about how the charity had helped a girl in Great Yarmouth who has cerebral palsy and needed specialist seating. My cousin has cerebral palsy and that, combined with the fact that I work with disabled people and know some of the issues they have to live with on a daily basis, led to us back Newlife.

“We hope to raise £3,000 for the charity, specifically to fund specialist disability equipment for children in Norfolk. The Newlife guarantee that none of the money will be used for anything else – like administration – really appealed to us.”

David and Ian have paid £300 for the Ford Cougar V6 that they hope will support their fundraising efforts, ready for the off on September 5.

Ian, 48, of Waveney Road, Southtown, said the car was now sporting a smart racing livery of pale blue and orange in tongue-in-cheek homage to the iconic Gulf colours.

He said: “It is going to be hard because it is an old car and it has got to do a month’s mileage in four days. It is going to be trying and we expect to be rather knackered. The rally is new territory but I do love my cars.”

The Hilton Care support worker hailed the generosity of local businesses with Halfords supplying servicing and parts, Dulux donating the paint and Docwras letting the car go for £300 after hearing about the charity challenge.

The event will be tackled by around 45 teams from across the UK who will meet up in France. Competitors do a set amount of miles a day and take on extra challenges for daily cash prizes.

Newlife Foundation provides a range of equipment support services for thousands of families of children with disabilities across the UK.

In Norfolk, the charity has helped 121 children with equipment totalling more than £152,000.

With applications to Newlife Foundation at an all-time high, the charity is increasingly looking to ‘local heroes’ to help fund life-changing equipment for local children.

Newlife operations manager Stephen Morgan said: “Statutory services’ budgets all around the UK are being tightened, which means that without the support of organisations like Newlife Foundation many children will simply go without the specialist equipment they need to transform their daily lives.

“Applications are up 25pc on last year, so we are calling on ‘local heroes’ to donate or fundraise to help children with disabilities in their own counties.”

For more information about Newlife Foundation, go to www.newlifecharity.co.uk. All support services can be accessed via the Newlife Nurse Helpline – 0800 902 0095 (free from UK landlines) or email [email protected].

Anyone wanting to support David and Ian’s fundraising efforts can go to www.justgiving.com/euro-banger and donate.

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Parkers’ Charity King on his latest madcap venture in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust

signature carParkerBS.com

Charity champ Aaron back on the road for Teenage Cancer Trust 

The last time Hassocks branch Assistant Manager Aaron Palmer made ‘headlines’ at Parkers was when he raised nearly £1,800 by not cutting his hair for nearly two years. Not an irrational fear of the barbers, but a great effort in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust!

Now he and his long-suffering wife are taking on a brand new adventure. The Motoscape Rally challenges competitors to buy a car for no more than £333 (unless they already own one which is over 20 years old), to ‘pimp’ (customise) it and sponsor it for the charity of their choice.

To sponsor Aaron…on his great Motoscape Rally adventure call in to Hassocks branch or call him on 01273 846551
…or donate directly at Just Giving
www.justgiving.com/Signature-Car

AARON’S ROAD TO PRAGUE

Motoscape offers competitors the opportunity to visit up to 12 countries in 7 days and the chance to see plenty of sites en-route. These include the Nurburgring, the Stelvio/ Timmelsjoch passes, plus the Lamborghini & Ferrari Museums and a whole host of other interesting places.

It also gives the many good hearted (but necessarily madcap) drivers the chance to meet lots of other people, to make new friends, enjoy an unforgettable experience, and to raise money for their charities in the process.

Aaron has had his own personal reasons for wanting to devote his charity efforts to the excellent work of Teenage Cancer Trust. “A few years ago,” he says “my younger brother was diagnosed with cancer. His treatment began on the day after his 17th birthday. Thankfully, this was a success.

“For many years, I had been thinking of a way to raise money for other young cancer patients, and when Parker Building Supplies became a proud supporter of the Teenage Cancer Trust, the perfect opportunity arose for me to begin my charity efforts. That’s when I had the idea to grow my hair for 18 months without so much as a trim (much to my wife’s disapproval!!)”

View Link to Original Article

2014 Press

Take a look at some articles from teams that took part in the 2014 Motoscape Rally:

Frome couple drive around Europe in memory of Ben Halford

Frome couple drive around Europe in memory of Ben HalfordFrome Standard
24th September 2014

Frome couple drive around Europe in memory of Ben Halford

IT was a whistle-stop tour for Ron and Fran Brownlow of some of the most beautiful parts of Europe and it was all in a good cause.

The couple, who live in Houston Way, Frome, were raising money for Time is Precious, the charity which was set up in memory of Ben Halford of Coleford who died in October 2010 after a three-year battle with cancer.

Time is Precious supports sick or disabled children and their families when they are in hospital with special equipment and other help.

Ben was just 18 months old when the cancer was first diagnosed in March 2007.

Fran, who is 63, knew Ben’s grandmother and she and her husband decided to try to raise £1,000 for the charity by taking part in the annual Motoscape Rally.

Ron, who is 69 and a retired electrical projects engineer, said: “To take part you have either to buy an old banger for less than £333 or, if the car is older than 20 years, you can spend more.

“We bought a Toyota MR2 for £1,300, which was 22 years old, because we wanted something a bit more reliable.”

And it certainly kept going because the couple clocked up 2,800 miles in just seven days starting in the UK and then visiting France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

They had raised cash through sponsorship but had not quite met their £1,000 target so on Saturday they switched their fundraising efforts to Sainsbury’s car park in Frome.

Ron said: “Time is Precious is Sainsbury’s charity this year and they were happy to let us park outside the store.”

They filled the Toyota with balloons and asked people to buy a ticket and guess how many there were. The winner was Stephen Dobson who lives in Mason’s Way near the supermarket. He was presented with £30 of theatre tickets.

The couple enjoyed their speedy tour of the continent so much that they are thinking of repeating it with other members of their family next year but at a more leisurely pace.

Ron explained: “We have seen some lovely scenery and we would like to go back but have more time so we would stay in places for two or three days.”

And the car proved so trustworthy that they are thinking of keeping it.

View Link to Original Article

Callan’s Angels rally Europe for cancer care

Callan’s Angels rally Europe for cancer careNewtownabbey Times
19th September 2014

Team 338: Paula McErlain, Louise Buckley and Annie Mottram who are rallying around Europe to raise money for cancer charities in memory of Paulas son Callan, a keen motorcross racer who passed away last year aged just 16 after suffering from Ewings Sarcoma.

An intrepid trio of local ‘lady racers’ are currently rallying through 12 european countries on a 1,600 mile fundraising trip for cancer charities.

Paula McErlain, Louise Buckley and Annie Mottram are undertaking the trip in memory of Paula’s son Callan, a keen motorcross racer who passed away last year, aged just 16, after suffering from rare cancer Ewing’s Sarcoma.

After the excellent care which Callan and his family received from the Belfast Cancer Centre and from Clic Sargent, the women entered the Motorscape banger rally to raise money for the two organisations and have collected £4,300 so far.

The ladies are travelling in a bright orange 16-year-old Volkswagen Golf with over 160,000 miles on the clock which bears the slogan ‘Callan’s Angels.’

Speaking from Europe, they told The Times: “We started in France on Saturday September 6, and we’ve been to Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria and have arrived in Venice in Italy today (September 10). We’re exhausted but we’re having an unforgettable time.”

In Germany, the women were thrilled to have the opportunity to drive around the famous Nürburgring, which has hosted the German and European Formula 1 Grand Prix races.

Louise said: “We did a lap of the Nürburgring, which was incredible. We arrived late, it had just closed but they opened it for us because we’d come all the way from Northern Ireland and they didn’t charge us. What an experience.”

The women are traversing two mountain ranges as part of the challenge, and they say it is thanks to the skill of local engineers that their ‘banger’ has made it this far: “Yesterday we traversed the Stelvio pass which was a hairy experience as the brakes failed on one of the hairpin bends! It was terrifying, but after letting them cool for half an hour we were on our way. We were one of the lucky ones, a lot of cars didn’t make it to the top.

“All credit to Darren Fleck from Fleck Car Repairs in Ballyclare for getting us this far!”

Despite their intense rallying schedule, the women are enjoying life on the open road. Louise concluded: “It feels like an endurance test but it is one of the best experiences and something we will never forget!”

To donate visit justgiving.com/TEAM338-CLIC/ or justgiving.com/TEAM338-FOTCC/.

View Link to Original Article

West Lothian College students go at warp speed for charity

West LothianDaily Record
19th September 2014

West Lothian college students to travel across Europe for charity

Staff and students from West Lothian College are going at warp-speed to raise money for charity.

The group, from the college’s Motor Vehicle Course are set to drive a 17-year-old banger disguised as the Starship Enterprise across Europe to raise money for UK charity BEN.

The charity is dedicated to supporting people who work, or have worked, in automotive and related industries and their dependants.

The team needs to raise funds for the epic journey and they are asking their colleagues and fellow students to dig deep for any left-over holiday Euros and Czech Krona and to donate at the college where a bucket is available at the Helpdesk.

And to help with the fundraising efforts the team has also set up a Just Giving page where people can make donations. After the rally, one name will be drawn at random from the online donations and will win a Ben teddy bear.

John Begbie said: “We are all keen to support BEN which does fantastic work to help people who have worked in the automotive industry and their families. We are all really excited about the trip and we hope that people will help us to raise money for this great charity.

“Last time we reached Glorenza in the Italian Alps before the car broke down. This time we hope to reach Prague before returning home with the car this time, our car will definitely stand out in a traffic jam as it will be decorated as the Star Ship Enterprise. There are thousands of Trekkies so we hope that it will raise lots of interest and quite a few smiles.”

For more information about BEN visit www.ben.org.uk or visit www.justgiving.com/John-Begbie63.

View Link to Original Article

Westbury woman’s wacky European driving challenge

AccountantWhite Horse News
9th September 2014

Natasha Penny dressed as Penelope Pitstop and her car decorated in the style of 1960s cartoon Wacky Races

AN accountant from Westbury will be driving across Europe this week to raise money for the RUH Cancer Unit.

Natasha Penny, of Busy Books, will be taking part in the Motoscape Rally, a banger rally stretching over 2,000 miles through the continent to Prague.

There are 78 teams of 2-4 people taking part in the rally, all of whom must drive a car bought for £333 or less. The cars and their drivers must also have a theme. Natasha will be driving a 1994 Toyota Celica she bought on eBay for £200. She has decorated the car in the style of the 1960s cartoon Wacky Races, and will be dressing as Penelope Pitstop for the rally.

Natasha said, “I’ve always been a bit of a petrolhead and I followed the race last year; it looked like so much fun I had to try it. Although a little nervous about driving in Europe for the first time, I’m really looking forward to the rally and am very hopeful that the car will hold up! I’m most excited for the Stalvio Pass in Italy and can’t wait to take the car round the Nürburgring.

“People have been really generous and I’d like to say thanks to everyone who sponsored me, as well as Elliott Motor Services for checking the car over and popping an MOT on it, Bristol Auto Electrical in Westbury for various motor supplies, Compugraphic Design for the majority of the stickers to my design, along with Unique Signs, VK Graphics & Autoscratch Repairs.”

Natasha will be doing the rally alongside a few other local people, and has raised over £870 for the Bath RUH’s Forever Friends Appeal, specifically the cancer care unit. She said, “Several of us have lost loved ones to this disease, and it needs a cure. It’s a unique fundraising challenge, and we hope to have an awesome experience on the way too.”

The Motoscape Rally will go through 12 countries in seven days and involve driving for roughly six hours a day. It will pass through the UK, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, and end in the Czech Republic.

If you would like to donate to Natasha’s fundraising effort, go to www.justgiving.com/NatMatMotoscape.

Find out more about the rally at www.motoscape-rally.co.uk.

View Link to Original Article

Pubcar takes to the road for Macmillan charity challenge

PubGet Reading
September 2014

Mark Tucker and Pelham Vincent, both dressed as landlords, with their ‘pubcar’

Mark Tucker, Pelham Vincent, John Davies, Matthew Newton and David Hancock are taking part in this year’s Motoscape Banger Rally to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support

Five 27-year-old Reading lads will be setting off on a road trip with a difference on Saturday – in this specially decorated ‘pub car’.

Mark Tucker and Pelham Vincent, both from Caversham, John Davies from Caversham Park Village and Matthew Newton and David Hancock, who both now live in London, are taking part in this year’s Motoscape Banger Rally to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mr Tucker, a design consultant, said: “We will be driving from Reading to Venice in under five days in an old banger we have decorated as an old pub.

“We are doing this route with 70 other cars, and thought we would take the fancy dress/car decorations to a new level and create a Pubcar.

“We took inspiration from pubs we went to in Reading as we all grew up here – Pavlov’s Dog for its table football and a bit of Turtle for the disgusting carpet.

“We are hoping to get lots of attention and raise as much money as we can for Macmillan Cancer Support, while having as much fun as we can.”

Most of the decorations were donated by friends and family, and all the beer related items were donated by breweries at last month’s London Beer Festival or in local pubs.

On why they are supporting the cancer charity, Mr Tucker said: “Macmillan were there to support my mother when she got breast cancer a couple of years ago so I thought they would be a suitable choice of charity.

“My mother is back to full health now, and wants it [the rally] to be a thank you to the carers who did such an amazing job.”

The road trip lads are setting off on 9am on Saturday in their unique Honda Shuttle, which they helped decorate with items including hundreds of beer mats, a chandelier and dodgy carpet.

Mr Tucker said: “We hope it’ll get us there because it only cost us £333. The rally finishes on September 11 in Venice. We are going to fly back for a friend’s wedding on the 13th and don’t have time to drive back, so if anyone wants to carry on driving it or drive it home, they are more than welcome to. If not, we’ll give it to a waitress or someone.”

Anyone who would like help the Pubcar on its way by making a donation, should visit www.justgiving.com/pubcar.

Link to Original Article:
http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/pubcar-takes-road-macmillan-charity-7717011

Hospice will benefit from Limo Euro trek

limousineNewmarket Journal
August 2014

Mark Westley Photography Brendon Hall, Bobby Luckings, Matthew Gipson and Ashliegh Booth, all former Mildenhall College of Technology students, are driving a limousine through 12 countries in 7 days for a charity rally, starting September 5, to raise money for St Nicholas Hospice Care. Lads order as in these pictures.

When four friends from school in the Mildenhall area bought a 22-year-old limousine to drive in a rally around Europe, they took on the mantle of continuing its journey.

The eight-seater Ford Grenada bought by Ashliegh Booth, Bobby Luckings, Brendon Hall and Matthew Gipson has the message “To be continued” inscribed on its boot.

And the lads, will be writing another chapter in its
journey when they set off to drive through 12 European countries in the banger rally Motoscape 2014 on September 5.

“We had been looking for a car like an old Volvo or Mercedes and found this limousine on eBay and thought ‘this is quite unique’,” said Ashliegh, 24.

“It has been used as a funeral car and then sold to a gentleman who stripped all of the paint off it so now it has a shiny, chrome effect which looks great in the sun.

“It’s a good car generally, it’s only done 77,000 miles.”

They were told of the car’s history – which includes trips to Morocco and the south of France and being used for numerous stag dos – when they bought it off an eBay trader in Somerset for £400.

The team’s participation in the rally is in aid of St Nicholas Hospice, which looked after Bobby’s father who died when Bobby was young.

The trip is all the more special for Bobby as they are setting off on the day he turns 25, and it is a trip that he and best friend Ashliegh have always wanted to do.

They made the most of the car’s size by offering companies the chance to stick stickers on it in return for sponsorship.

One company’s sponsorship covered the cost of MOT, another to have it serviced, another for four new tyres and another their tax.

So far they have more than 30 companies’ logos on board and have raised £1,500.

Around 170 people are expected to take part in the rally that will see them start in France and go through Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic before arriving home seven days later.

To sponsor the team, go to www.justgiving.com/Bobby-Ash-Bred-Joe

Link to Original Article:
http://www.newmarketjournal.co.uk/news/latest-news/hospice-will-benefit-from-limo-euro-trek-1-6263236

Onesie Warriors head out on European road rally for charity

OnesieBorehamwood & Elstree Times
September 2014

Two Onesie Warriors will journey across Europe in an old banger to raise money for children with terminal illnesses.

Ali Kapasi, of Balmoral Drive in Borehamwood, and friend Jinal Shah will embark on their European road rally this Saturday to raise money for charity Wishes 4 Kids.

The pair will take part in the Motoscape Rally, taking them across 12 countries in seven days – including England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

To add to the challenge, they have to stay within the £333 ‘banger car budget’ and have opted for a 1998 Suzuki Vitara for their mission, along with wearing onesies for the duration of the trip.

Anyone wishing to support the cause and donate to the charity can do so at www.justgiving.com/warriors4kids.

Link to Original Article:
View Article

Derby Muppets hit the road for Euro adventure in their charity old banger

Bunsen and BeakerDerby Telegraph
August 2014

Becky Bradley and Mike Nash with their costumes as they plan their route in Europe.

An Alvaston couple are heading to Europe in a “banger rally” to raise money for charity, dressed as two characters from the Muppets.

Becky Bradley, 34, and Mike Nash 41, of Lincoln Avenue, are starting their Motoscape Rally adventure next month, wearing costumes of popular Muppet characters Bunsen and Beaker.

They hope to raise up to £1,000 for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Becky, who works as a receptionist at the Hallmark Hotel on Midland Road, Derby, said: “We will drive through 12 countries in seven days in an old banger costing no more than £333. There are challenges to compete in along the way.

“We originally were going to dress as animals but thought we would be a bit different. We searched for Muppets characters and chose Beaker and Bunsen.

“We had already confirmed our characters when we realised there were no costumes available to buy from anywhere, so we had to make our own.”

Their car, a Vauxhall Frontera that Mike bought on eBay, is due to be delivered next week.

Becky said: “Fingers crossed, the car will be ready and running by next week and we can then start decorating it. All of the donations from our sponsorship page, and hopefully, our prize money, will be given to charity.

“Our chosen charity is Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. They are the only UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of patients with all types of blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

”Unfortunately, my mum was diagnosed with low-grade, non-Hodgkin lymphoma last year. She entered remission in December but it has since returned.”

Sophia Ahmed, East Midlands fund-raising co-ordinator for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, said: “It is fantastic that Becky and Mike are taking part in the rally to raise vital funds.

”The money raised will help us in our mission to beat blood cancer, improve the lives of all those affected by the disease and stop people from dying. We wish them the best of luck over the seven days of their epic challenge.”

Becky and Mike are both self-confessed “petrol heads”.

She said: “We are looking forward to the Nürburgring and Stelvio Pass. We have accommodation along the way which has been organised by Motoscape. The whole rally is so well organised, it is the reason we chose this particular one.”

Lead organiser Paul Williams said: “The Motoscape team are delighted to welcome Becky and Mike aboard for the rally. The Beaker and Bunsen outfits will be a fantastic, colourful addition to the whole group of more than 190 participants.

“I am sure they will raise lots of eyebrows and much-needed awareness for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.”

Follow Becky and Mike in their preparations and on their European adventure on Twitter and Facebook.

Anyone wanting to follow their drive can do so via the website
www.motoscape-rally.co.uk

Link to Original Article:
http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Derby-Muppets-hit-road-Euro-adventure-charity-old/story-22728349-detail/story.html

Mildenhall friends take on 12 countries in seven days – in a limousine

limousineBury Free Press
August 2014

Brendon Hall, Bobby Luckings, Matthew Gipson and Ashliegh Booth

Four Mildenhall college friends are preparing for a 1,600 mile journey across 12 countries – in a ‘beat up’ limousine that cost them £400.

Bobby Luckings, Brendon Hall, Ashliegh Booth, all 24, and Matthew Gipson, 26, leave for the seven-day Motoscape Banger Rally on September 5, hoping to raise as much money as possible for St Nicholas Hospice Care.

They are currently looking for businesses to sponsor them in exchange for advertising on their vehicle – and being a limousine there is plenty of space!

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/Bobby-Ash-Bred-Joe

Link to Original Article:
http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/mildenhall-friends-take-on-12-countries-in-seven-days-in-a-limousine-1-6229925

Hawkesbury man gears up for 3,000-mile rally drive

HawkesburyGazzette
August 2014

The Rover 827 Ian Saunders will be travelling in

A CAR enthusiast from Hawkesbury Upton is gearing up for an epic European drive in aid of charity.

Ian Sanders is taking part in next month’s Motoscape Rally from Normandy to Prague, travelling through 12 countries over seven days.

Ian, 41, is competing with friend and former colleague Mike Elson, from Shrewsbury, in a Rover 827.

“You can take part in one of two ways. Either you can use an old banger or a slightly nicer, better car and we have gone for the latter,” said Ian, a former land management advisor for Natural England.

“The car is big, it’s designed for the US really, and has a V6 engine so we are not worried about making it there.

“Most people who go down the old banger route scrap their cars at the end but we are going to use it for a week’s holiday in Italy.”

The rally stipulates any vehicle in the contest must be aged 20 years or older or worth less than £333.

The pair leave for Normandy on September 5 and will share driving the 3,000 miles taking through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary and Slovakia arriving in the Czech Republic on September13.

“This is something I have always wanted to do,” said Ian, who is well known in Hawkesbury for walking his greyhound dogs.

“Last year I took voluntary redundancy from Natural England so now I have the time to do it and I am really looking forward to it. “We’re going to be sat in big, comfy leather seats so it is not like we are cycling up mountains but if we want to win it will be a challenge.”

The rally includes daily challenges and Ian and Mike will be competing against 78 other teams to win the 2014 trophy. There will not be a support team on hand so they will have to carry out any car repairs themselves.

“Hopefully it is going to be less of a challenge in terms of actually finishing than it will be for others,” added Ian. “But if we want to win then it will definitely be a challenge.”

Ian is raising money for mental health charity Mind and Mike is taking part in aid of the Severn Hospice. To make a donation visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/walnutmanoeuvre

Link to Original Article:
View Article

Team 338, in memory of Armoy teenager, reach £50,000 target

Team 338Bally Money Times
August 2014

Team 338 raised over £50,000 for two cancer charities. Pictured are Claire Hogarth, Friends of the Cancer Centre, Tamara Mc Erlain and Briege Hamilton from Team 338 and Anne Mc Roberts , Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Friends and relatives of Callan McErlain have become hardcore adrenaline junkies in memory of the Armoy teenager who died last year.

It’s been an action-packed year of sky-diving, dancing, hiking, running, swimming, cycling and much more to raise cash for cancer charities in the 16-year-old’s name. Callan died on June 17, 2013, just seven weeks after being diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of bone and soft tissue cancer. His heartbroken sister Tamara (19) set about fundraising in memory of her adrenaline-loving brother – and she roped in a few others to help. So far Tamara has jumped out of a plane and scaled Slieve Donard, as well as running, swimming and cycling to help Team 338 raise an impressive £50,000.

Raising funds under the name Team 338 was chosen by the McErlain family as this was the race number Callan, a talented motocross racer and mountain bike rider, used at events. Before his death Callan had wanted to take part in a skydive, so Tamara and the brave Team 338 crew did it for him at an event in Garvagh.

Tamara explained: “Team 338 started up in August 2013 in memory of Callan. The original target for the year was to raise £20,000 for the two cancer charities, Friends of the Cancer Centre Belfast City hospital and Marie Curie Cancer Care. Now a year on we have smashed our target raising an astonishing £50,000 for these two fantastic charities.

“We have had an action packed year with a variety of events including: Skydiving in Garvagh, a formal in the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle, The Dragon Boat Race, Photography weekend, Slieve Donard Climb and New Year’s Day swim.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by everyone and would like to say a special thanks to all our sponsors, fundraisers and everyone who helped in anyway.”

With that in mind, they have a new series of fresh challenges in the pipeline.

“We have an event every weekend,” Tamara said. “We are thinking of a barn dance, going to the Ulster Rally and the Festival of Speed at Balmoral.”

In September Callan’s mother will be taking part in the Motoscape Banger Rally across Europe.

“Mummy and two of her friends will be crossing 12 countries in 10 days,” Tamara added.

Upcoming events include a barn dance, visiting the Ulster Rally and Festival of Speed at Balmoral. Callan’s mother Paula is taking part in the Motoscape Banger Rally across Europe this September. This year’s funds will be raised for Friends of the Cancer Centre and CLIC Sargent.

For more information visit facebook.com/Team338

Link to Original Article:
http://www.ballymoneytimes.co.uk/what-s-on/arts-culture/team-338-in-memory-of-armoy-teenager-reach-50-000-target-1-6218506

France to Czech Republic in £333 jazzed-up banger

Epic euro journey for Grangemouth’s GreigTwyford Advertiser
July 2014

A head chef will be driving an old banger through 10 countries in 10 days in aid of a charity for disabled children.

John Sinnerton, who works at Buratta’s at the Royal Oak in Ruscombe Lane, will be driving from France to the Czech Republic in a BMW Z3 which he bought for £333.

The 52-year-old will be joined by his brother-in-law Steve Batty, from Leighton Buzzard, to take it in turns to drive the 2,300mile journey.

The pair hope to raise £1,000 for the Building for the Future charity, based in Church Lane in Ruscombe.

John from Butts Hill Road, Woodley, said: “I realise I’m lucky to be where I am in life.

“Financially I’m fairly secure and my children are all grown up so I’m keen to do something to give back.”

About 70 teams are participating in the Motoscape Banger Rally, each with a £333 limit to spend on their car.

OJS Motors in Butts Hill Road have serviced the BMW which has been off the road since 2012 and has 125,000 miles on the clock.

Last time the pair took part in the rally their Volvo 480 broke down on the Stelvio Pass in Italy and a mechanic was called out to fix the fault.

“We didn’t kill each other last time,” said electronics designer Steve.

“So I’m sure we’ll be alright in each other’s company this time around.”

They will be driving about 10 hours a day and stopping at hotels where they will be joined by fellow drivers.

Instead of racing, which risks making the rally too competitive and endangering the drivers, the teams will be given challenges along the way to win cash prizes.

John and Steve are looking for businesses to sponsor them in return for having their logo on the car.

The rally starts on September 6.

Visit virginmoneygiving.com/team/artofcooking2014 to donate.

Link to Original Article:
http://www.twyford-advertiser.co.uk/News/Areas/Twyford/France-to-Czech-Republic-in-333-jazzed-up-banger-11072014.htm

2013 Press

Take a look at some articles from teams that took part part in the 2013 Motoscape Rally:

Whacky road trip raises £8k for charities

BluesNewtownabbey Times
November 2013

Kate Pollock, Grace Daily, Kenzie Twamley and Thomas McKnight from the All Star Special Olympics Club; Deirdre Mally of the NI Hospice and Noeleen McErlane from Pretty n Pink receive cheques from Mark McKnight and Myles McKeown.

Two local men have raised more than £8,000 for three worthy causes by completing a whacky road trip across western Europe.

Myles McKeown and Mark McKnight, both from Glengormley, recently completed the Motoscape Banger Rally, driving from Glengormley to Venice in a 1997 Mercedes which they converted into a ‘Bluesmobile’, crossing 11 countries along the way.

The ‘Blues Brothers with a Hint of Pink’ raised a fantastic £6,600 (£8,100 inclusive of Gift Aid) for local charities, the Northern Ireland Hospice, Pretty ‘n’ Pink Breast Cancer Charity and the All Star Special Olympics Club.

This was the latest in a series of fundraising challenges completed by Myles and Mark.

Three years ago, father-of-four Myles sadly lost his wife Emma to breast cancer. Since then he and Mark have taken on a variety of fundraising challenges, including competing in the Belfast City Marathon in 2011 and 2012.

“This year we wanted to do something a bit different. We bought the car for £350, it had 127,000 miles on the clock and no heating, and at times we did wonder if it would actually make the 3,000 mile trip. But converting the car was great fun, we even gave it a Bluesmobile styled loudspeaker,” Myles, from Rogan Manor, explained.

“The trip was great fun, we met some amazing people and saw some wonderful sights. But the best part of it was the money we raised for our three chosen charities and we are so very grateful to our family and friends for their support, local businesses that sponsored us, and everyone who donated.”

Link to Original Article:
http://www.newtownabbeytoday.co.uk/news/local-news/whacky-road-trip-raises-8k-for-charities-1-5711289

West Lothian College Congratulatory Letter

from Angela Constance MSP, The Scottish Parliament

Scottish college congratulated by the Scottish Parliament after Motoscape 2013

Banger Story

Link to Letter:
https://www.motoscape-rally.co.uk/pdf/letter-angela-constance.pdf

Father and son team win European rally

BearThe Bolton News
October 2013

Tony and Martyn Kilbryde won the Prague rally in a 1998 Suzuki Wagon R+

A MECHANIC from Lowton and his son have won a European rally in a banger.

Tony and Martyn Kilbryde won the Prague rally of the Motoscape Banger Rally by seven points in a 1998 Suzuki Wagon R+.

The concept of the rally is to buy a car for £333 or less, turn it into a wacky, eye-catching masterpiece and drive it through some of the greatest roads in Europe. Alternatively, classic cars that are 20 years or older can be used.

They drove 3,000 miles through 14 countries, raced around the Nurburgring race track in Germany, and climbed 9,000ft to the Stelvio pass in Italy.

Tony, aged 52, of Newton Road, said: “It was an absolute blast, even getting the car ready was great fun.

“It was fantastic to do it with my son as well. Everyone wants to build memories and this was something we’ll never forget.”

The father-son team, called ‘a bear attacking you with only a sausage is still terrifying’, which won the accolade of best name, chose to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

The team has raised £800 so far, while the rally as a whole has raised £75,000.

Tony, who works at Pitstop Motorcycles in Lowton, added: “I am actually going to sell my current car and keep the Suzuki for a while.”

Link to Original Article:
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/northwest/10697733.Father_and_son_team _win_European_rally/

Epic euro journey for Grangemouth’s Greig

Epic euro journey for Grangemouth’s GreigThe Falkirk Herald
October 2013

Greig (second left ) with the team from West Lothian College.

A Grangemouth student travelled 3250 miles across Europe taking in some of the continent’s most picturesque scenery and attractions – in a beat-up Nissan Bluebird.

Greig Newman took in seven countries in five days with colleagues from West Lothian College in the Motoscape Banger Rally, which is a rally for old cars.

The group of four decided on an Egyptian theme for the adventure decorating their car like a pyramid and dressing as pharoahs and mummies and won second prize in the rally’s best designed car competition.

Greig (18), who studies City and Guilds in vehicle maintenance and repair, said: “This was an amazing opportunity to see a lot of Europe and get involved with the daily challenges and excitement of the rally.

“A fantastic finish was made even better by an incredible train journey home through the Alps.”

“It’s something I would recommend to any student. The one word I would use to sum it all up would be ‘awesome’.”

The epic journey started in Hull with a ferry to Zeebrugge then on to dunkirk for a history lesson and a chance to pay their respects to fallen heroes at the war monument.

They also visited the famous Nurburging race track in Germany, Austria’s Black Forest and the legendary Stelvio Pass in the Alps.

Link to Original Article:
http://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/news/local-news/epic-euro-journey-for-grangemouth-s-greig-1-3123805

Veteran racers and their Skoda heading for Venice in Motoscape banger rally

SkodaEDP24
September 2013

Jack McMasters and (R) Colin Currie are driving a 1994 Skoda estate across Europe in the 2013 Motoscape banger rallly. Picture: Ian Burt

Two veteran motoring fans, both aged in their 70s, are preparing to fulfil their boyhood racing dreams – by driving a 1994 Skoda estate across Europe.

Jack McMasters, 72, from Tittleshall near Fakenham, and Colin Currie, 71 from Briston, will be taking part in the 2013 Motoscape banger rally.

The event starts on September 7 in Saint-Omer in France and runs nearly 2,000 miles through Belgium, Austria, and Liechtenstein, and finishes four days later in Venice.

On the way, they hope to negotiate the Nordschleife circuit at the Nurburgring in Germany and the famous Stelvio pass near Bormio, Italy.

Mr McMasters is a veteran of the 2008 Global Enduro across India and the Czech Wreck Rally in 2010 – the event which prompted the purchase of his faithful Skoda, from eBay, for £256.11.

But it will be a new experience for his co-driver.

“It will be the first time for Colin, but he is just as crazy about motoring as I am,” said Mr McMasters.

“He did a little bit of racing when he was young, as did I. All I wanted to do was be a racing driver when I was in my teens. I did a couple of years of club racing in the 1960s but I was never able to carry on with it.”

The pair have known each other since they both worked in a car dealership together in the 1970s in Buckinghamshire.

Mr McMasters, originally from Missouri in the USA, became a design engineer making parts for ocean-going ships as well as road-going motorcars before retiring to Norfolk with his wife Georgina.

Despite his make of car being mocked by jokes in previous decades, Mr McMasters said he was more than happy with his choice of vintage vehicle for the rally.

“Skodas have always been one of the most reliable affordable cars going, so I am not particularly worried.

“Georgina has no objection to me doing this. Sometimes she looks at me a little condescendingly and says ‘boys will be boys’. But I think she enjoys it.”

The pair will spend part of their journey in fancy dress as The Blues Brothers.

Mr Currie said: “I have raced a little in the early 60s, but I’ve never done anything like this. I have always loved the motor business from the very beginning and I’ve had classic cars for most of my life.

“So this sort of thing is just in my blood. I’m looking forward to it.”

Any donations will be forwarded to the Rainbow Trust, a children’s charity which provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.

Link to Original Article:
View Article

Friends head for Venice in Motoscape Banger Rally charity challenge

Not Another RoverSutton Coldfield Observer
September 2013

ROAD RALLY: Sutton hairdresser Adrian Blower (left) and Lee Davies are hoping to put in a Super Mario performance for Midlands Air Ambulance in the Motoscape Banger Rally to Venice this weekend.

A DAREDEVIL hairdresser from Sutton will be hoping for no close shaves when he sets off on a charity banger rally challenge across Europe this weekend.

Adrian Blower, who runs Blower’s Hairdressing and Barbers in Belwell Lane, Four Oaks, is out to prove he’s head and shoulders above the rest when he, along with friend Lee Davies, line up for the Motorscape Banger Rally to Venice which starts tomorrow (Saturday).

Dressed as the Super Mario Brothers, the dynamic duo will spend four days travelling across mainland Europe in their own Super Mario Kart – a £300 Rover 216 Cabriolet which, when they went to collect it, was about to be crushed at a scrapyard.

The charity challenge will take them from France through Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, raising money for Midlands Air Ambulance along the way.

Adrian said: “It’s one of the wackiest ones we’ve done. Originally, we were going to do another Banger Rally but that was cancelled. We were lucky to switch to the Venice one which is only round the corner.” Around 80 cars will line up for the rally’s start in St Omer, northern France, ready for the 1500-mile challenge.

“The first day will take us to the Nurburgring for a quick lap, which may be not that quick in our car! Then we travel down to Koblenz in Germany, situated in the picturesque Rhine Valley, for one of the big German wine festivals.”

Day two will see the duo pass through Baden Baden, then round Lake Constance to the medieval city of Feldkirch in Austria. The route will take them to Bergamo in Italy on day three, via the Stelvio pass.

The home straight will see them travel to San Donà di Piave near Venice on the final day. It is the fifth consecutive year the Sutton hairdresser has competed in a banger rally after vowing that last year would be his last.

To sponsor Adrian and Lee, go to http://www.justgiving.com/ramshackle-to-split

Link to Original Article:
http://www.suttoncoldfieldobserver.co.uk/Friends-head-Venice-Motorscape-Banger-Rally/story-19763941-detail/story.html

Trustee attempts Motoscape rally with car named in honour of Make-A-Wish child!

Team BulldogWorkplace Giving
September 2013

On 07 September 2014 Ian Lathey, volunteer and Trustee of Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK, the charity that grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions, will embark on the Motoscape Ultimate Banger Rally experience, travelling across seven countries in five days to raise much-needed funds for the charity.

Ian will be undertaking the banger challenge in a 21 year old Mazda which has been named after wish child Neve Dandy. Neve, aged five and living with Dravet Syndrome (a rare and devastating form of Epilepsy), had her wish to own sensory equipment granted by the charity in November 2012.

Rebecca Dandy, Neve’s Mum, said “The equipment Neve was provided has been enormously beneficial. Ian was one of the Make-A-Wish volunteers who visited us and we were honoured when the charity asked if he could name his Mazda after her. To know she has inspired his fundraising efforts is very touching.”

Ian, Director of Procurement at IHS, signed up as a volunteer in 2009 and was invited by the charity to join its Board of Trustees in 2012. Ian says: “Over the years I’ve participated in various fundraising activities such as cycling from London to Paris and driving and cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats. I am excited to be undertaking another brilliant challenge – I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t been stressful but I am so passionate about the work Make-A-Wish does that I know it will be worth it!”

There are currently 20,000 children and young people in the UK fighting life-threatening conditions. Make-A-Wish will grant more than 1,000 wishes in 2014, and needs to raise £7 million to achieve this. The charity receives no government funding or lottery grants – so every donation really does count.

Support Make-A-Wish with a monthly donation from pay.

Link to Original Article:
https://www.workplacegiving.co.uk/news-and-press-archive/trustee-attempts-motoscape-rally-with-car-named-in-honour-of-make-a-wish-child/

Fun-loving Flintstones’ Euro banger adventure

Hazel, Nancy and Helen This is Lincolnshire
September 2013

Two determined drivers are getting ready to “Yabba Dabba Zoom” as they look to cover 2,500 miles in a week dressed as Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble.

Friends Simon Murphy and Ed Baker will dress as the cartoon characters for part of the trek in their bid to raise money for two charities.

Their car has been spray-painted with a dinosaur motif – because it really should be extinct.

The pair will leave their homes in Witham St Hugh’s, south of Lincoln on Friday, September 6, in what they describe as a ‘clapped-out’ Volvo.

But the 20-year-old 2.5 litre 850 estate is considered a safe bet to complete the 10-country route of the 2014 Motoscape Banger Rally.

And the Lincolnshire County Council colleagues have already raised more than £1,800 towards their £3,500 target, to be shared by the Lullaby Trust cot death charity and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

“We both know a family who lost their daughter to cot death last year and we’ve been affected by breast cancer in our own families,” said Mr Murphy, 38, who is an LCC transport officer.

“We’ve both done similar events in the past with other people and we thought we’d team up for this one. We thought it would be great to raise money for two charities while enjoying a great road-trip adventure into the bargain! As we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience last time, when we had the opportunity to be involved with this one we jumped at the chance.”

Mr Baker, 31, (pictured below, left) didn’t have much luck last time out. He was involved in the 2006 Mongol Rally right up to the moment when his Peugeot 106 crashed and was written off.

Starting in northern France, the Motoscape Banger Rally takes in countries such as Germany, Austria, Italy, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

It also includes a lap of the fearsome Nurburgring racetrack in Germany and a descent of the famous Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps.

And if the ancient Volvo does bring the pair back to Witham St Hugh’s they will expect to have shelled out at least £400 to fill the petrol tank at least 10 times.

Follow their progress on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/missinglincsrally

Link to Original Article:
http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/Fun-loving-Flintstones-Euro-banger-adventure/story-19720706-detail/story.html

Bangers and Cash

Team BulldogYellow Advertiser
July 2013

RALLY: Team Bulldog driver Ian Moon with Michael Sadler and Roxann from the kennels with co-driver Hilary Hunter and Susan Clarkson with Leo. Picture by Mark Cleveland

TWO banger racing drivers from Essex will be hitting the road to raise money for three charities.

Driver Ian Moon and his co-driver Hilary Hunter, otherwise known as Team Bulldog, will be entering an eye-catching Volvo S40 T4 in this year’s Motoscape rally in early September.

The pair from Canewdon will drive 3,000 miles through 10 countries in seven days for the rally.

Hilary said: “I thought Ian was joking when he suggested that we collaborate and do a banger rally, but when I realised the fun we could have while raising money for charity I was soon on board.”

The aptly named Team Bulldog will be raising cash for their favourite local charity Acres Way Rehoming Kennels, in Thundersley, and the national Cinnamon Trust and RAF Benevolent Fund.

Ian and Hilary have already been out raising funds for the charities by making special appearances at various events across Essex including the Southend Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 29.

The pair set off on Friday, September 6 on their adventure, which includes visits to the infamous Nurburgring, the Stelvio Pass, the Lamborghini and Ferrari Museums, and drives through Venice and Prague.

If you would like to sponsor the team visit mydonate.bt.com/teams/teambulldogcharityrallyteam and for more information about the team go to facebook.com/teambulldog

Link to Original Article:
http://www.yellowad.co.uk/news.cfm?id=23833&searchword=acres

Friends head to Venice in pink banger to raise cash for Thames Hospicecare

Hazel, Nancy and HelenBecky Barnes, Get Reading
July 2013

Three woman campaigning for people to be given the choice to die at home will drive a bright pink banger across Europe for charity.

‘Venice Bound Birds’ Hazel Wilcock, Nancy Foster and Helen Keane will drive through seven European countries to Venice as part of the Motoscape Banger Rally with their flamboyant flamingo mascot Dave in September.

The challenge will raise money for Thames Hospicecare’s ‘Hospice at Home’ service which allows people to access professional, personalised care in the comfort of their own home.

Nancy, of Madingley, Birch Hill, lost her 41-year-old husband Lee to cancer in 2009.

The 40-year-old said: “He was admitted to Thames Hospicecare when he was ill and I was so impressed because everything was about the patient, friends and family. I believe passionately in everyone’s right to choose where they want to spend their final days. We were lucky enough that we received the support we needed so I could care for him at home as he wished.”

Her close friends Hazel and Helen also have personal reasons to take part in the fundraiser.

Hazel’s friend who died two years ago was not given the choice to die at home and Helen’s good friend Lee was also given the support to die at home by Thames Hospicecare.

Helen said: “I know of several others who would have liked to die at home but were unable to so.

“I believe this is an extremely worthy cause.”

Hazel added: “If looking like an idiot, conducting countless challenges and asking people for their support can help make a difference in situations like this why wouldn’t you?

“I can’t wait.”

In the lead-up to the rally, the Venice Bound Birds are holding several fundraising events and their progress can be followed through
www.facebook.com/VeniceBoundBirds

For further information visit Facebook or uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/VBB to donate.

PODCAST

Listen to the Venice Bound Birds Podcast at the link below!

http://surreyheath-residents.co.uk/2013/07/20/venice-bound-birds-podcast/

Link to Original Article:
http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/friends-head-venice-pink-banger-5118882

2012 Press

Take a look at some articles from teams that took part in the 2012 Motoscape Rally:

An Epic Journey in a £333 Car!

Michael & Michelle Cook, Parish Magazine
August 2012

Banger Story

Banger Story

Chef and painter finish 2,900 mile banger rally

Ed and MattDaniel Darlington, Maidenhead Advertiser
September 18, 2012

A chef and an artist have put the pedal to the metal in a rusty old Volvo to complete the Motoscape 2012 banger rally challenge.

John Sinnerton, 50, and his brother-in-law artist Steve Batty, raced across Europe from France to Prague, travelling through 12 countries from September 1-7.

They took the Volvo 280ES for a ‘frightening’ spin around the Nürburgring in Germany, visited the home of Ferrari in Maranello, Italy. They broke down crossing the highest mountain pass in Europe and savoured the delights of the Koblenz Wine Festival in Germany.

Their trusty red banger, bought for less than £300, covered 2,900 miles in sweltering temperatures, but had enough juice in the tank to make it to Prague and back to Ruscombe.

“It was a really great experience,” said John, who is a chef at Buratta’s at the Royal Oak.

“The car was excellent despite having a little problem on the Stelvio pass where we had to roll down the mountain to a car park and call a mechanic to come and fix it.

“Driving to Venice was great because I have never been there and Prague was lovely too.”

The Art of Cooking team raised £3,000 which will be split between the Twyford bereavement support charity Daisy’s Dream and the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Steve’s mum and dad both died from heart problems early in life.

Copies of John’s cookbook ‘The Berkshire Book to Become a Good Cook’ have also been sold to raise money for the charities.

Visit their blog for details.

Link to Original Article:
http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/Lifestyle/Restaurants-Bars-and-Pubs/Chef-and-painter-finish-2900-mile-banger-rally-18092012.htm

Monte Carlo or bust? Definitely not!

Ed and MattPilgrims Hospice
September 10, 2012

Ed Debrett and Matt Brooks from Boon Edam, Ashford set off last week on the Motoscape Rally. Not quite Monte Carlo or bust, rather Prague and profits for Pilgrims Hospices. They raised over £500 which they presented to Pilgrims this week.

On Tuesday 1st September, starting from St Omer in France, the pair drove through ten countries in seven days, visiting some fantastic places such as the Nurburgring, Stelvio Pass, the Lamborghini and Ferrari museums and many other interesting sites. They finally returned home on the 9th September.

Ed said, “We took part in the Pilgrims Great Escape last year and had a blast. This road trip looked to be great fun too. And it certainly was. We had a fabulous time, drove thousands of miles and made many new friends. We were lucky enough to be able to buy a car from KAP Ashford at a huge knock down price and this has had the Pilgrims Logo emblazoned on it, so it was a fabulous opportunity to raise awareness of Pilgrims Hospices as well as raising money.

“My boss from Boon Edam died a couple of years ago in the Ashford hospice and the care he received was fabulous. I can’t think of a better way of remembering him than by having such fun!”

Nigel Donkin, regional fundraising manager said, “Ed and Matt clearly had a wonderful time travelling through so many countries. The awareness they raised for the hospice movement abroad is fabulous. We look forward to their next great adventure.

“Unlike cancer provision in many of the countries they travelled through, the hospices here are able to offer care free of charge for patients and families due to the support of local communities”.

Link to Original Article:
http://www.pilgrimshospices.org/news/monte-carlo-or-bust-definitely-not/

Regan Ready to Rally for Charity

Rafa Duchenne raf.mod.uk
August 29, 2012

An Air Cadet from Hampshire is set to take part in one of Europe’s most gruelling rally events in a bid to raise money for the Royal Air Force’s Association (RAFA).

Cadet Warrant Officer Regan Hawthorn, a member of 1927 (Petersfield) Squadron will be competing in the Motoscape Rally 2012 – an event which takes in an incredible ‘7 countries in 5 days’. The Rally, which starts in France and ends in Italy will begin on 1st September 2012 and Regan and is already raring to go.

He said: “Along with the rest of our team I will be helping raise money for RAFA and Action Duchenne – a charity which supports Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a severe and progressive muscle wasting disease for which there is no cure.

“They are both great causes and all we ask is for members of the Air Cadet Organisation to like us on Facebook and Twitter to show their support. Along the way we will be providing updates as we get closer to the start line.”

To find out more about CWO Hawthorn’s worthy challenge, please visit:

http://www.Facebook.com/RAFADuchenne
http://twitter.com/RAFADuchenne

Link to Original Article:
http://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/newsandevents/index.cfm?topic=1C52325B-F6AD-6C90-D1AD0277EBE01144&storyid=76D16B73-5056-A318-A8D50CF44B65CE53

Crewe duo embark on Banger Rally (Article 1)

Team GraysonMatthew Taylor, Crewe Guardian
August 24, 2012

A DUO from Crewe plan to drive across Europe, covering 12 countries in 7 days, in a 17-year-old car bought for just £333.

Greg Bolshaw and friend Nigel Hulse will set off on their 3,000 mile journey on Saturday, September 1.

They are taking part in the Motoscape Banger Rally to raise funds for their chosen charity, Action Medical Research, a UK-wide medical research charity dedicated to helping babies and children.

“Friends of mine sadly lost their newborn son, Grayson, to a disease called Necrotising Enterocolitis. He was only 7 days old”, explained Nigel. “As a tribute, we have decided to name our team in his memory.”

Team Grayson has so far raised over £3,000. Greg and Nigel are funding the rally themselves to ensure that 100 per cent of the money raised goes to charity.

The rally starts in Saint-Omer, France and takes in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria en route to the finish line in Prague, Czech Republic.

The two friends will then drive a further 1,000 miles home, as they intend to auction the car when they get back and donate the proceeds to the charity.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from local businesses and national companies alike. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has sponsored us so far,” said Greg.

He added: “Grosvenor Garage, Crewe has serviced, MOT’d and prepared the car for the rally free of charge.

“Autoglass has replaced our cracked windscreen and donated £500, and local etyres franchisee, Christian Jones, has donated a new tyre.”

You can follow Team Grayson’s progress at www.facebook.com/TeamGraysonRally

To donate: www.action.org.uk/sponsor/TeamGraysonRally

Link to Original Article:
http://www.creweguardian.co.uk/news/9888123.Crewe_duo_
embark_on_Banger_rally/

Crewe team take on 3,000 mile charity rally (Article 2)

Rhiannon Cooke, Crewe Chronicle
August 22, 2012

TWO kind-hearted friends are travelling more than 3,000 miles across Europe to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts.

On September 1, Crewe resident Greg Bolshaw and friend Nigel Hulse, both 29, will set off in a 17-year-old car – bought for just £333 – to take part in the Motoscape Banger Rally.

The friends will cover 12 countries in seven days to raise funds for Action Medical Research, a UK-wide medical research charity dedicated to helping babies and children.

“Friends of mine sadly lost their newborn son, Grayson, to a disease called necrotising enterocolitis. He was only seven days old,” said Nigel. “As a tribute, we have decided to name our team in his memory.”

Team Grayson has so far raised more than £3,000. Greg and Nigel are funding the rally themselves so that 100% of the money raised goes to charity.

The rally starts in Saint-Omer in France and takes in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria en route to the finish in Prague, Czech Republic.

The two friends will then drive a further 1,000 miles home, as they intend to auction the car when they get back and donate the proceeds.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from local businesses and national companies alike,” said Greg.

“Grosvenor Garage in Crewe has serviced, MOT’d and prepared the car for the rally free of charge. Autoglass has replaced our cracked windscreen and donated £500 and local tyres franchisee Christian Jones has donated a new tyre. We’re also extremely grateful to everyone who’s sponsored us.”

To follow Team Grayson’s progress visit www.facebook.com/TeamGraysonRally or visit www.action.org.uk/sponsor/TeamGraysonRally to make a donation.

Link to Original Article:
http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/crewe-news/local-crewe-news/2012/08/22/crewe-team-take-on-3-000-mile-charity-rally-96135-31668588/

10 countries, 7 days, 3,500 miles – in a Porsche

Mojito Motos Roger Ogle, Link Magazine
August 13, 2012

Two friends, Ian Cook (left) and Ian Johnston (right), decided to take part in the Motoscape Road Trip to Prague in September.

Ian Cook works for an IT company call Quicksilva and Ian Jonhston works for Three Castles Brewery. They have known each other since primary school and are now both family men and living in North Swindon. They both like cars and one night over a beer just started talking and decided this would be a good idea – the rally is organised through https://www.motoscape-rally.co.uk/

Their chosen charity “Excalibur Unit” was established in 2008 and aims to help with supporting the many returning soldiers from war torn countries who have witnessed horrific scenes in the course of their duties. They also aim to help with aftercare services for military personnel and their families.

More info can be found at http://www.excaliburunit.org.uk

They will be visiting 10 countries (France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany (stopping at the Nurburgring), Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic) in 7 days during the 3,500 mile rally in a 1982 Porsche 924 Lux.

For more information and to find out how you can help them with their fundraising effort, go to their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Martini-Boys/237925369593595

Link to Original Article:
http://www.swindonlink.com/news/10-countries-7-days-3500-miles—in-a-porsche

2011 Press

Here are a selection of articles from the 2011 rally:

Students and lecturers complete 3250-mile trek in a wreck

The collegesSue Gyford, The Scotsman
November 9, 2011

BREAKING down before they had even crossed the Channel was not the best of starts to their gruelling challenge.

But the team of students hoping to make it all the way to Italy in a clapped-out 21-year-old Nissan Bluebird had few worries – after all, they were more than clued up on the complexities of car mechanics.

The team, comprising students and lecturers from West Lothian College – all part of the third-year City and Guilds Motor Mechanics class – had been gearing up for the task since March when they first set eyes on the car they dreamed would see them complete the 3250-mile “banger rally”.

Lecturer Robert Drummond said: “It was lucky there were so many mechanics in the car as we had a tyre blow out in the outside lane of the M25 as we made our way down to catch the cross-channel ferry. We were only 50 miles outside Dover but after stopping to repair the tyre it was a race against time to get to the quayside. We made it though.”

Mr Drummond was joined on the mission by fellow lecturer Ewan McAdam and students Conor Barton and David Reid on the Motoscape Banger Rally, travelling from St Omer in northern France to Bologna in Italy.

The challenge was the culmination of a project which began with getting the vehicle ready for the road, before the four-man team finally left Livingston last month.

Mr Drummond said: “The students serviced it all and got the car through its MOT. There were some last-minute repairs as the cylinder head gasket was replaced the week before we left.”

The men crossed France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Belgium in the space of just five days. Despite the hectic race pace, they also dropped in for visits to the Nurburgring race track, the Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati museums and took a drive along the Stelvio Pass in the Alps.

Mr Barton said: “It was really good to see the different countries and cultures. We had been working collaboratively with Cumbernauld College and they also had a team in the rally. At the beginning we didn’t know any of the other competitors, but by the end of the week they were all friends. We would meet up at night and swap stories on which route they’d taken and the fantastic places they’d seen. I’ll never forget it. I’ve already put my name down for next year.”

A well as completing the challenge – a non-competitive race – the team also won an award from the Institute of the Motor Industry at an awards ceremony last Thursday, in recognition of the college’s contribution to developing skills in the Scottish automotive workforce.

Many local businesses who donated time, equipment and money to allow the team to take part in the rally, including the RCA MOT Centre in Stoneyburn, Starting Grid in West Calder, Neill Technical Services in Livingston and All Signs Scotland.

West Lothian College principal Mhairi Laughlin said: “This is another fantastic example of Curriculum for Excellence in action and integrated working between the college and the wider community.

“I’m delighted everything came together to create this extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience for these young people. The team effort that went into putting this together was phenomenal.”

Link to Original Article:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/students-and-lecturers-complete-3250-mile-trek-in-a-wreck-1-1955582

Where’s Wally? On the charity road to Prague

Where's the WallysKatherine Vine, Stockport Express, August 10, 2011

A right pair of Wally’s will be turning heads on the road to Prague. Father and daughter team Paul and Sarah Olma will be dressing up in stripy tops and glasses for a 2,000-banger race in homage to the famous children’s book.

Even their old Rover 400 car has been decorated with the famous Where’s Wally red and white stripes.

Sarah, 27, and Paul, 55, will be raising cash for two charities during the challenge, which will see them heading for the Czech Republic from their Marple home.

Sarah said: “I got the idea for the theme when I saw some people do a similar thing at V Festival and thought it would fit in well with a trip across Europe.

“It is something I had always wanted to do and my dad likes cars so when I said I was going to do it he decided he was going to tag along.”

Even a major set-back hasn’t prevented Sarah from fulfilling her ambition to take part in next month’s Motoscape Banger Rally

“We started planning at the beginning of the year, and then with only seven weeks to go the car someone had donated to us, which we had spent money on, failed its MOT and had to be scrapped,” she explained.

“We had to make a decision as to whether to give up or find a new banger.

“We decided to put all our energy into finding a new car so we were very relieved when we found one. We have called it Wall Mark Two!”

The pair will raise money for the homelessness charity The Wellspring and children’s cause Starlight during the seven-day race, which starts at St Omer in France.

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/Wallys-Starlight

Link to Original Article:
http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/news/s/1455232_wheres-wally-on-the-charity-road-to-prague

Intrepid driving duo takes on £250 banger challenge

Mojito MotosThis is Dorset (Western Gazette, North Dorset), Thursday, July 14, 2011

A PAIR of intrepid motorists are to take on some of the toughest roads in Europe in a £250 banger they bought on the auction website eBay.

The two friends, Rob Girling, 39, a project manager at Agusta Westland in Yeovil and Nigel Parker, 45, of Adber in Dorset, who runs his own mobile cocktail business, will embark on the 2,000-mile road trip in September.

Before they can set off, they have to carry out major repairs to the Volkswagen Passat which they bought with no MOT or tax.

They hope to take the car, which has 140,000 miles on the clock, around the Nurburgring race circuit in Germany as they join 60 other teams on the banger rally challenge.

Starting from Yeovil, their route will take them through six countries in six days, travelling as a far as Bologna in northern Italy, before driving home through France.

The pair were inspired to take up the challenge after two of their friends were diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The two aim to raise £5,000 for Cancer Research UK from their effort. As part of their fundraising, they are inviting people to sign the car in return for a donation.

The first person to sign the car was two-times British Touring Car champion Jason Plato, who they met at Thruxton race circuit last month.

The car will be on display at venues around Yeovil in the coming weeks, giving people the chance to sign the vehicle.

On Sunday it will be at Ilchester street fair, and on Wednesday lunchtime outside the office of South Somerset District Council. It will also be on display at the bandstand in Middle Street on Saturday, July 30 and at Haynes motor museum, Sparkford, on Saturday, August 13, and August 29, Bank Holiday Monday.

The pair have set up a Facebook site to report on their trip and are appealing for donations through www.justgiving.com/mojito-motos.

Link to Original Article:
http://www.thisisdorset.co.uk/Intrepid-driving-duo-takes-pound-250-banger/story-12938617-detail/story.html

Jan’s Euro road trip in souped-up banger

JanThis is Leicestershire (Leicester Mercury), Saturday, August 27, 2011

A car enthusiast will drive an “old banger” he lovingly restored across seven countries in seven days to raise money for charity.

Jan Olsson is taking part in the Motoscape Rally in a Toyota MR2 T-Bar he bought for £190.

The 39-year-old sets off from France on his European tour and will travel through Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland before arriving in the Czech capital, Prague, a week later.

Jan, who lives in West End, Leicester, said: “I’ve spent eight months getting it roadworthy. I’ve always tinkered with cars and have replaced everything that needs to be replaced, down to the last nut, so I’m confident it will make it.”

He is raising cash for cancer charity Macmillan via sponsorship and bucket collections.

Jan, who sits behind the wheel of much larger vehicles for his job as an HGV driver, added: “I’m used to driving on my own, but now I’ll get the chance to take in the scenery.”

Link to Original Article:
http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Jan-s-Euro-road-trip-souped-banger/story-13215602-detail/story.html

Shropshire family to take part in charity road trip

Baz to BolognaShropshire Live, August 3, 2011

A Shropshire family is set to take part in a road trip around Europe next month in aid of two charities close to their hearts.

Brothers Gareth and Matthew Peate along with Matthew’s fiancé Toni Kilvert will be taking part in the 3,000 mile trip around Europe next month raising money for Severn Hospice and Cancer Research UK.

Matthew and Gareth lost their Dad Stephen to cancer in May of this year, Toni lost her Mum Jenny to the same disease last year. Together they are hoping to raise money for both organisations that helped them through the recent difficult times.

The four-day road trip starts at St Omer near Calais on Saturday 3rd September, finishing in Bologna, northern Italy, on Wednesday 7th which is organised by Motoscape UK with 60 teams taking part.

From Bologna the three are taking their own further five day tour covering over 1,800 miles through France before returning home on Sunday 11th.

The trip will take the team travelling in Matthews BMW 3-series nine days in total, covering nearly 3,000 miles and passing through nine countries including the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy and Monte Carlo. The team will also be calling in at five racing circuits Spa Francorchamps, The Nurburgring, Hockenheim, Monte Carlo and Le Mans.

In the run up to the road trip the team will be taking part in the Severn Hospice Classic Car Rally on Sunday 21st August.

For more information about the team, news updates or to sponsor them visit http://bolognaandback.wordpress.com

Pals join Euro ‘banger’ rally for cancer cause

Where's the WallysCrewe and Nantwich Guardian, 21st August 2011

A SENIOR Christies manager, from Crewe, is hoping to drive-up support for the world-leading cancer centre.

Ian Moston, 44 and director of finance at The Christie, will set out on 200-mile drive across Europe, in September, in a bid to raise much needed funds for the hospital.

Jenny Haskey, fundraiser for The Christie, said: “The rally sounds exciting but very gruelling so we can’t thank Ian and his friends enough for taking on the challenge.

“The money raised from the sponsorship packages will help support our quest to make cancer a thing of the past.”

The route, called the Motoscape Rally, will see Ian and pals, John Wiss, 43, and Owen Hussey, 44, wind their way through seven countries including France, Germany and Switzerland, and take on the giant Stelvio Pass in Italy, before finishing the gruelling drive in Prague.

Described as the ‘ultimate banger rally experience’ the rules state that participants must buy a ‘banger’ for no more than £250.

Having purchased a 1995 Mercedes 220 for £250 for the rally, the trio are now offering local businesses the chance to advertise their logo on the car, with proceeds from the sponsorship going to The Christie.

Ian, who has been a dedicated supporter of the charity since joining The Christie five years ago, said: “I’m really looking forward to the rally and am hoping to raise as much as I can for The Christie.

“Every year we treat 40,000 patients and constantly research new and effective ways to treat cancer.

“Being able to contribute to this process in both a professional and personal capacity is a big honour.”

There are various sponsorship opportunities available for businesses.

For more information contact Jenny Haskey, head of corporate fundraising at sporting events at the Christie, on 0161 446 3424 or email [email protected].

If you would like to sponsor Ian and his friends for the car rally, please visit www.justgiving.com/The-3-Musketeers.

Link to Original Article:
Vist the Crewe Guardian Website