Eighty enthusiasts took part in vintage and classic car rally across beautiful South Leicestershire on Sunday to raise much-needed funds for our Hospice.
Organiser Andrew Duerden said: “This was the 8th year we’ve run this event and it was fantastic to be out and about exploring our magnificent countryside after being locked down for so many months."
Owners came from as far away as West Sussex and the New Forest to get together and enjoy this year's 110-mile Welland Valley Wander.
The drivers set off at 9.30 from Leicester Airport and stopped for a quick refreshment break at Launde Abbey before continuing on their way to tuck into a picnic lunch at Burghley House, Stamford. The afternoon saw participants heading back south and finishing at Sywell Aerodrome, near Moulton.
Andrew added: “It was great to see everyone come together and we all kept our social distance and wore our masks or visors when necessary to ensure we were kept safe.
"It’s not just about getting behind the wheel though; as participants, who pay £75 each to enter, we also pour thousands of pounds into LOROS. We raised £4,700 for the Hospice last year and will generate over £3,000 this summer which means we’ll have topped £25,000 for this outstanding cause during the last eight years.
"We explore a different route every year, so I’m already starting to prepare and map out next year’s course – keep your eyes peeled for news on the 2021 event!"
Debbie Dickman, a fundraising Co-ordinator at LOROS, said: "I really look forward to visiting this event every year. I have the honour of starting the race and also collecting their donation from the previous year's event.
"The truly amazing £25,000 Andrew and his participants have amassed from these events could pay for one of our specialist nurses to deliver vital care to patients for almost 39 weeks and is a huge contribution. We would like to say a massive thank you to Andrew for his organisation and to everyone who has played a part in this wonderful event over the years."
All images courtesy of Andrew Carpenter.
