Charlie Oakes and Mark Hollis are going to drive a 1933 MG sports car (‘Josephine’) to Le Mans and back in July.  

The round trip is just over 500 miles which is a long way for an old car, and the outcome is by no means certain. We thought it would be a great challenge to see if we can get there, and back again, without being towed or put on a rescue trailer! Although the car is in great restored condition, old components do have a habit of giving up, so it is a gamble. But we are determined to do it, and without a hood, so if the weather is unfavourable, we may get a little wet…

…Which brings us to the most important reason for this trip. We want
to raise money for CATCHING LIVES (www.catchinglives.org), a charity based in Canterbury, Kent, UK, which does wonderful things to support and help rough sleepers, the homeless and vulnerably housed in Canterbury and East Kent; those who have, for many reasons, fallen through the gaps in society and feel they have nowhere else to turn. So, if we get there and back under our own power, it would be great if you could make a donation to CATCHING LIVES and help this charity continue to make a fantastic contribution to the community.

All donations will go directly to the charity, and NONE of the money will be used to subsidise the trip to Le Mans.

Itinerary:

6^th July, 10am - depart from CATCHING LIVES in Canterbury,
take Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais, 125 mile drive to Isneauville near Rouen for the first night in a B&B. Estimated time – 4 to 18 hours (to allow for possible puncture repairs and engine change????)

7^th July - drive from Isneauville to La Quinte
(near Le Mans); 125 miles, Based in B&B for 4 nights

8^th July - drive from La Quinte to the Le Mans circuit prior to the 24 hour Le Mans Classic race the next day. We will be actively raising awareness of CATCHING LIVES in the pre-1966 classic car paddock at the circuit.

9^th July - drive to the Le Mans circuit, and in the morning, participate with other classic cars in 2 parade laps of the famous circuit prior to the start of the 24 hour Le Mans Classic race.

10^th July - Observe finish of the 24 hour Le Mans Classic race

11^th July - 125 mile drive to B&B in Isneauville
near Rouen for one night

12^th July - 125 mile drive to Calais; Le Shuttle to Folkestone,
and finish at CATCHING LIVES in Canterbury at approximately 3.30pm

Thank you all for your support and generosity!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.