FOURTH YEAR OF FUNDRAISING ROUND BRITAIN COASTAL DRIVE FLAGS AWAY NEXT WEEK
Flagged away by Philip Porter at the National Motor Museum on 16 September
Open this year to all XK-badged Jaguars
Aiming to increase the sum raised for Prostate Cancer UK to more than £245,000
Closed by Don Wales, member of the famous Campbell record-breaking dynasty on 3 October
What started off as a ‘one-off’ charity event in 2016 to raise funds for the charity Prostate Cancer UK, is now in its fourth year and has so far raised over £200,000. This year’s fundraising goal is £45,000 – to highlight the staggering statistic that one man dies every 45 minutes as a result of prostate cancer.
Philip Porter, author, publisher and co-founder of the International Jaguar XK Club devised the Round Britain Coastal Drive shortly after recovering from prostate cancer, and the event has become an excellent way to raise awareness of the disease, and funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
To mark the beginning of this year’s 3,400-mile drive around the circumference of the British mainland, Porter will be flagging away participants from the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu on Monday 16 September.
18 days later long-time Prostate Cancer UK supporter Don Wales will be dropping the flag on the final stage of the Round Britain Coastal Drive. Grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell MBE, and nephew of Donald Campbell CBE, both Land and Water Speed record holders, Don himself holds World and UK Land Speed records. Don will join participants, organisers and Prostate Cancer UK representatives at a celebratory closing dinner.
Highlights of the Round Britain Coastal Drive in previous years have been special visits arranged by some stalwart supporters of the cause, and this year is no exception.
Stage 9 participants will enjoy a lunch at the Ben Nevis Distillery, kindly arranged and hosted by Jimmy Stewart of Classicfabs, Fort William.
Dunbeath Castle and Gardens in Caithness, Scotland are kindly opening their doors to drivers on Stage 11.
Down on the south coast, Club member Ian Turner is providing lunch and opening the doors to his workshop at Turner Classics in Ramsgate during Stage 17. Ian has the distinction of being the Drive’s only double all-rounder, having completed all 18 stages last year in his E-type, and doing the same again this year with his XK.
The end of Stage 17 offers the option to visit CKL Developments, near Hastings, who have kindly invited participants to browse their workshop and partake of a reviving afternoon tea or coffee.
Technical support on the Round Britain Coastal Drive is second to none. Renowned Jaguar parts specialists, SNG Barratt Group, will be supporting the event once again, with a vehicle full of spare parts. Technicians will provide assistance on all 18 stages, including CBR Classic Restorations of Walsall, respected specialists in classic restoration, body work and repairs and acknowledged Jaguar XK experts, Twyford Moors of Clanfield, Hampshire.
Participants will also be assisted throughout by event hosts from the XK Club and ambassadors from Prostate Cancer UK.
Appealing to all owners of XK-badged Jaguars, in the UK and further afield, to join some or all of the Round Britain Coastal Drive, Philip Porter said, “This is an enormously enjoyable way of driving your classic car, seeing fantastic scenery, socialising with like-minded enthusiasts, and raising money for a great cause.”
Gabriella Bailey, Head of Community Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “The Round Britain Coastal Drive events are fantastic and have so far raised over £200,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, which is a tremendous amount. We are thrilled that Philip and his wife Julie have organised this event for the fourth year in a row, this time with XK-engined Jaguars.
“We are also so grateful that any funds raised through our partnership with the Jaguar XK Club this year, will be match-funded, pound for pound, by an anonymous partner. This generous offer will go towards supporting our Specialist Nurse services, the UK’s only telephone, email and Live Chat support specific to prostate cancer, at Prostate Cancer UK. Our Specialist Nurses are here for anyone living with or concerned about prostate cancer or prostate problems.
“There are over 400,000 men living with the disease in the UK, which means this service will continue to act as a lifeline for so many. By doubling the value, we are doubling the difference to the lives of men and their loved ones.”
Anyone interested in taking part can find more information on the event website, https://www.roundbritaincoastaldrive.co.uk/xk-club-round-britain-coastal-drive.html, or by phoning the International Jaguar XK Club on +44 (0) 1584 781588
Image: Philip Porter prepares for the drive
