Northamptonshire father and son team up for 3,500-mile London to Lisbon charity car rally in a Ford Ka
A Northamptonshire father and son have teamed up for a 3,500-mile London to Lisbon – and back again – charity car rally.
Mawsley residents Simon Redgrave, 63, and Daniel Redgrave, 39, will take their convertible Ford Ka, bought for £350, on a grand tour through Europe.
On their adventure, the pair are hoping to raise as much money as possible for Help for Heroes, a charity close to Simon’s heart.
Travelling with 40 other cars on the trip organised by Two Ball Rally, the trip is scheduled to last 11 days with competitors given daily ‘challenges’ as well as navigating across the continent.
Simon, a former member of the Royal Artillery, said: “We are targeting ourselves to complete all the challenges that are thrown at us just like our veterans.
"Life is full of challenges and no more so than our veterans and their families that have to face their toughest battles yet – painful injuries, mental trauma, disability and isolation.”
With driving duties taken by Simon, son Daniel will be navigator, chief mechanic and recording the trip for posterity.
He said: “It’s my job to keep the car going. I’m a good passenger. I’ve the cameras to keep an eye on and there are challenges. I’m looking forward to this as a big team event. We have been down to the south of France and Spain before but in a bigger, more capable car.”
The route will take teams from London to Lisbon via Le Mans, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, through the Pyrenees, Burgos, and Braga before following the coastline into the Portuguese capital.
The pair are hoping for good weather as they travel south.
Daniel said: “We want to go ‘roof down’ all the way, but as long as we have fun and raise money for Help for Heroes, that’s all that matters.”
‘Team Dysfunction’ are being supported by Kettering parts supplier Parkers, based on Telford Way Industrial Estate, who will deliver any replacements to keep the car going with a promised ‘next day delivery’ for the trip.
Simon added: “We’d like to thank Parkers, Wilco and Kafe Bloc for everything.”
Help for Heroes supports members of the British Armed Forces community with physical and mental health, as well as their financial, social and welfare needs.
To donate to the cause go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/simon-redgrave-1?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=OF.