An intrepid couple are embarking on a monster road trip to raise vital funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Carl and Michelle Jacques have signed up for the Rat Race event and will drive 1,430 miles from Great Yarmouth to Benidorm in a 23-year-old Volvo bought for just £350.
The couple, who are being cheered on by ten-year-old daughter Jaycie, kicked off their fundraising by attending Yarmouth’s recent Wheels Festival. They filled their car with cuddly toys, raising more than £200.
“What started as something of a midlife crisis moment has quickly escalated into something very special and exciting,” said Carl, who lives in Rollesby.
“It’s going to be an incredible personal challenge, and we’re determined to raise as much as we can.
“When we first signed up, we asked for recommendations on Facebook, and someone suggested EACH.
“It means a lot to me as I know my parents would have approved.
“Mum died ten years ago but loved children and worked at a special needs school in King’s Lynn, while my dad, who died four years ago, was always very passionate about supporting mum with her crazy ideas about different ways to raise money for children.”
Michelle said supporting a local charity was important to them.
“Having learned more about EACH, we know we’ve made the right choice,” she said.
“It’s an incredible charity, and we’ve received so much support from the team.
“It does outstanding work, and everyone keeps telling us what a great cause we’re supporting. That encouragement has really spurred us on, and we want to do everything we can.”
Carl, 43, and Michelle, 40, raised another £550 after taking their car to the Martham Fun Carnival and they have more fundraising events planned before the Rat Race next March.
One rule of the event is that participants must complete the journey in a car costing no more than £600.
Carl, a self-employed locksmith, bought their Volvo from a customer in Diss, after it had covered just 11 miles in the previous 12 months. He paid the scrap value of £350.
“I couldn’t say no,” he said.
“It’s an automatic, comfortable to drive and has plenty of space. I’ve no doubt it’ll get us there – by hook or by crook, it’s Benidorm or bust!
“We’ve fallen in love with it.
“I must add that we’ve been amazed by how kind and generous the local community has been since they found out what we’re doing.
“Businesses have donated prizes, a local garage fixed a slow puncture free of charge and a mechanic has offered to give the car a final check before we leave.”
Carl and Michelle, who plan to share the driving, will be leaving Great Yarmouth on 20th March, before travelling through France and into Spain en route to Benidorm.
As part of their fundraising preparations, Carl – who describes himself as a ‘car enthusiast but not mechanically minded’ – and Michelle recently enjoyed a tour of The Nook, EACH’s hospice near Norwich.
Michelle, who works in a pre-school, said: “It’s made us feel even more invested.
“It’s beautiful and so much more homely than we expected. I thought it might feel very clinical, like a hospital ward, but it isn’t.
“I love the fact it’s a charity supporting the whole family, not just the children receiving care.”
To sponsor Carl and Michelle, head here.
