A wacky races-style challenge is looking to put the brakes on meningitis
Ten car enthusiasts are taking on the 1,000-mile plus event around the UK in six cars, fit only for the scrap heap and worth no more than £1,000.They start and finish in Brighton and along the way, as well as hoping to raise £5,000 for us, will take on a series of daily challenges. One of the organisers, 36-year-old father of two Orlando Whippy, from Hove, said: “Each day one of the teams will be chosen at random to set that day’s route and challenge, so we will only know where we are going and what we are doing on the day.
“We’re expecting to cover about 200 miles each day, but it could be a lot more.”
The challenge for the fundraising stars in the low-priced cars has a serious side though. It’s being done in memory of Orlando’s 14-month-old nephew Reggie De Silver, who died of meningitis in March this year.
“Reggie was taken to the doctors and monitored by his parents but then deteriorated very rapidly” Orlando added. "He was rushed to hospital by ambulance but his body just shut down and he died within hours.”
As well as fundraising the group is keen to help raise meningitis awareness.
“It terrifies me that something can take hold and be so catastrophic so quickly,” Orlando said. “I had no idea how quickly and mercilessly it could affect someone. I just want to ensure that everyone is as aware as they can be of what to look out for and how to react to meningitis.”
The tour starts on Wednesday 27 June and finishes on Monday 2 July. You can follow progress around the country on their social media page.
The group has already smashed its original target of £2,500 but is hoping to raise even more. You can support their efforts on their fundraising page.
Leah Wynn, our Community Fundraiser for the South, said: “Reggie’s sad story shows how quickly meningitis can strike and the devastation it causes. We wish Orlando and his friends well with this fantastic fundraiser and thank them for their efforts to fight back against this deadly disease”
