Three-wheeler makes end-to-end marathon for children’s charity
“ONLY fools and horses” would mistake a yellow Robin Reliant at John O’Groats for some London geezers selling off dodgy goods.
Instead the iconic car-star of the 80s British sitcom will be setting off from John O’Groats on August 19 with three petrolheads – Andrew Jones, Paul Milburn and Dave Stubbs – driving to Lands End to raise funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).
Last December, Andrew’s niece, Imogen Daly – then only months-old – was diagnosed with the rare and life-threatening liver disease, biliary atresia.
“It was a shattering diagnosis,” explained Andrew, a garage owner from Warrington. “Imogen had to spend her first Christmas in hospital and it was around this time that we were told about CLDF – a wonderful charity which provides help, support and information to parents and families trying to come to terms with such a situation.”
Imogen’s parents, Seb and Charlotte, have since been told that her only option is a liver transplant, inspiring the trio to raise money for the charity.
“John O’Groats to Lands End in a Reliant Robin may seem a little crazy but we wanted to do something different,” said Andrew.
“We’ve since heard a strong rumour that an ‘Only Fools’-style Robin Reliant is to feature in the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games so we were clearly ahead of the curve.”
And continuing the Olympic theme, the fundraising team’s support car is one of the BMW support vehicles which accompanied the Olympic torch on its travels – in full London 2012 livery.
Barring any hold-ups, the trio hope to reach Lands End on August 26.
Children’s Liver Disease Foundation is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to fighting all forms of liver disease in children. It provides an information hub both for health professionals and the general public, supporting families like Imogen’s, helping to fund vital research and acting as the voice for people of all ages affected by childhood liver disease.
Donations can be made at: http://www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Jones23/.