Scally rally

A group of mates from Lowestoft are preparing to set off on a very different lads’ weekend driving over 1,000 miles through the French Alps in a cut-price car to raise money for  CLIC Sargent.

The six friends are taking part in the 2009 Scally Rally Road2Rimini, a unique driving challenge which sees competitors motor through France, Switzerland and Italy in cars bought for no more than £100.

Patrick Evans, Andy Read, Jonathan Read, Rick Goldspink, Pete Cropley and Andy Jones have spent the last few months lovingly preparing an old Mitsubishi Shogun and putting the final touches to the ‘banger’. They will be setting off from Calais on 12th June and racing through France, Switzerland and Italy to arrive in Rimini on 15th June. As well as trying to keep their car on the road for 1,000 miles, the team will also face mystery challenges each day to accumulate points for cash prizes at the end of the race.

“Five of my oldest friends and I are trying to push back the advancing years and ravages of wives, kids and careers to take part in the 2009 Scally Rally,” says Patrick. “But rather than just doing it for ourselves we decided to gain sponsorship for CLIC Sargent, a charity whose fantastic work really makes a positive impact on the families affected by childhood cancer and leukaemia.”

The group have set themselves a target of raising £2,000 to help children and young people with cancer, and their families, by completing the challenge. They have already hosted a James Bond-style birthday party and charged friends and family to decorate their car with signatures and messages to help reach their total.

“This is definitely a lads’ weekend with a difference!” says Karen Roberts, CLIC Sargent’s local Community Fundraising Manager. “We’re delighted that the team is going the extra mile for CLIC Sargent and every penny raised will go towards helping families affected by childhood cancer. For example, £2,000 is enough to fund a relaxing holiday for a family at Malcolm Sargent House so they can take a much needed break away from treatment together.”

To find out more about their challenge and follow their progress please visit: www.twitter.com/shogunsrun or to sponsor the lads visit their justgiving page at: www.justgiving.com/shogunsrun.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

• For any media enquiries please contact Ruth Bowen in the CLIC Sargent press office on: 0117 314 8617 or email: ruth.bowen@clicsargent.org.uk.