
A FROME couple successfully completed a 3,000 mile European driving challenge to raise money for children’s cancer charity Time is Precious, in memory of Ben Halford.
Frances Brownlow and Ron Brownlow, under the name of ‘The Old Timers’, took part in the Motoscape Rally, a banger rally that stretches from the UK covering thousands of miles through 12 countries in just seven days with the challenge ending in Prague.
All vehicles taking part in the rally must cost no more than £333 or be at least 22 years old. The Brownlows completed the challenge in a Toyota MR2 which met the criteria of being at least 22 years old with the only mechanic problem being a faulty head light bulb.
The couple made it around the course with little difficulty and would recommend the challenge. Frances said, “We both really enjoyed the challenge. It was tiring but definitely worth it and it was a wonderful experience. We would recommend it to anyone and would urge people to give it a go, although I don’t think we would do it again.
“There were many highlights throughout the trip including a great firework display to mark the end of the wine season and some beautiful routes along the way; I am glad we did it.
“We didn’t end up taking the Stelvio pass in Italy as we were advised that it is rammed with tourists and that better views could be had by taking an alternative route; we were not disappointed.
“Another quirky story from our challenge was coming across a coach in Germany which was a Frome-based Lesmon Travel coach! So we got a picture with them and carried on our adventure.
“We chose to raise money for Time is Precious in memory of Ben Halford as it is a charity close to my heart. Ben was a friend’s grandson. We would love to raise £1,000 for the wonderful charity and would appreciate any help we can get.”
The Motoscape Rally went through 12 countries in seven days and involved driving for roughly six hours a day. It passed through the UK, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia and end in the Czech Republic.
To donate to The Old Timers visit their Justgiving page www.justgiving/FrancesBrownlow/motoscape/timeisprecious.
Above: ‘The Old Timers’ in Germany with a coach passengers on a Frome-based Lesmon Travel trip.