Teacher takes on tour in memory

A teacher from Newquay will be swapping her text books for the keys of an open top car when she takes to the road for a fundraiser in memory of one of her pupils.

Polly Retallack 38, has purchased a new pink dress and hired a very special four-seater Morgan convertible to take part in CLIC Sargent’s first ever Topless Tour – a one day convertible car rally from Newquay to Lands End. 

The event has been inspired by Harriet Cole who died of leukaemia aged 13 in 2004 and will be raising vital funds for the charity that supported her family throughout her illness.

Polly has fond memories of the time she spent teaching Harriet subjects including English and Algebra at the family home and felt the car rally was the perfect way of honouring her memory. 

Polly said: “As soon as I heard about this fundraiser I knew I wanted to take part. I spent only six months teaching Harriet but during that time she left a lasting impression on me.  She was a very brave, beautiful and special girl who I had the privilege to get to know.  She made me laugh and we shared stories about the things we loved and for Harriet this included the colour pink and her sister’s convertible. So what better way of remembering her than to wear pink and join the Topless Tour. I hope we can raise lots of money to fund such a marvellous charity who support so many families like the Coles throughout Cornwall.”

Polly, her husband Justin, as well as good friends Bev and Mark will all be among the drivers taking to the road for the rally next weekend. All participants will be setting out from the Hendra Holiday Park on the morning of Sunday (June 14th) and taking either the coastal route or the A30 to Lands End.

All the money raised from the rally will be donated to CLIC Sargent which spends approximately £3,500 per child it supports. The charity receives no statutory funding so all services, such as financial grants and frontline service staff, are financed purely by fundraising efforts and donations from the public.

The tour is open to any convertible vehicles that have a minimum of three wheels provided they are road worthy. Each vehicle taking part is required to pay a £25 entry fee and will receive a CLIC Sargent Topless Tour Fundraising Pack. Participants will also be asked to raise a minimum of £50 sponsorship.

For more information, or to order an entry pack, contact Emma Perry at CLIC Sargent on: 07795 296374 or email: emma.perry@clicsargent.org.uk.      

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

• For any media enquiries please contact Suzanne Palmer in the CLIC Sargent press office on: 0117 3148621 or email: suzanne.palmer@clicsargent.org.uk