Nimlok sponsor local cancer victim who goes “Cape to Cape” for charity

Dave Rae, 58 of Welford, Northants, was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer nearly three years ago and given just two years to live but he has never let it slow him down! Since his diagnosis, he has raised over £15,000 for cancer charities and he is now off on his latest fund-raising escapade.

He is participating in a classic car event called the “Grand Tour”, which starts at Cape Wrath at the very top of Scotland and finishes at Cape Clear on the South West tip of Ireland - a journey of some 1400 miles, made more demanding by a series of navigational challenges. The route, which will take seven days to complete, travels on many narrow roads through some very remote scenery and encompasses the famous “Rest and be Thankful” hillclimb in Argyllshire and two steep hills in Ireland, much beloved of the rally fraternity, namely Moll’s Gap and the Healy Pass.

The event, restricted to 36 classic cars, is the brainchild of historic, rally expert Dennis Greenslade. All entrants must meet their own expenses but are also committed to raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support – last year the event raised nearly £60,000, a figure the organisers are keen to exceed with this year’s entry.

Exiled Scot Dave, will be taking part in his Porsche 944 with his younger brother Jim, from Aberdeen, as his co-driver. They will be joined by a display of exotic machines including a 1951 Jaguar XK120, a 1932 Austin 7 Ulster and a 1953 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit.

Says Dave “I have been mad about cars all my life and although my illness now causes me considerable pain and discomfort, motoring remains one of the few things I can still really enjoy. Fortunately, because I can sit down, my driving capability is not impaired in any way. When I saw this event and the fact it was raising money for Macmillan, I just had to take part. My brother Jim and I used to go rallying in the 1970’s so it was an opportunity to capture happier times and also do some good for a charity which has been of direct help to me.

I have been incredibly well supported by sponsors and have already raised over £1,900.00.

This is thanks in large part to my main sponsor, Nimlok display and exhibition solutions of Wellingborough, whose Managing Director, Tim Perutz, is also a car enthusiast and whose business was already committed to the charity. The worldwide exhibition and display stand solution company nominate a different local charity to support each year, and Macmillan was supported throughout 2006. A grand total of £2,035.68 was raised by the Nimlok staff.

When I first approached Tim and told him about the challenge, his face lit up and he immediately agreed to help me. His encouragement and the support of his team have made preparing for the event a real pleasure. I cannot thank him enough”

Tim comments “Hearing Dave’s story really made an impression on me and combined with the joint interest in Macmillan and the love of Porsche, I couldn’t wait to help out. Dave is one of the most positive people I have ever met”.

The “Grand Tour” event starts on Monday 30th April and finishes on Sunday 6th May. You can follow the exploits of “Team Nimlok Porsche” on http://daverae.wordpress.com and donations to Macmillan Cancer Support can still be made by contacting Dave on 07764 583229.

News Story Date - 24/04/2007 00:00:00

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