THREE friends have completed an epic 2,000-mile charity drive across the UK in a 42-year-old classic car in memory of one of their much-loved mums.
Shaun Roche, from Moulton, lost his mother Jean Roche-Sandbach in January this year, 15 years after she was diagnosed with Parkinson's.
And earlier this month, the 56-year-old joined friends John Welsh, from Middlewich, and Hamish Roscoe, from Congleton, to take part in the Round Britain Reliability Run, organised by Club Triumph.
The trio drove across the country for 48 hours non-stop in a classic 1983 Triumph Acclaim as TeamVAM ('Very Amateur Motorsport'), raising more than £5,000 for Parkinson's UK in the process.
Shaun said: "My mother Jean faced Parkinson’s with remarkable courage and grace.
“In raising funds in her memory, we hope not only to contribute to finding a cure, but also to increase awareness of Parkinson’s UK so more families can access the support they need.
“Honouring her in this way gave us the chance to back the vital work the charity does in both research and helping those living with the condition.
“Our 42-year-old Triumph Acclaim performed faultlessly, even as we drove through Storm Amy on the way north.
“I’d spent months preparing the car, replacing parts and sourcing an original exhaust still in its wrapping after 40 years – and it all paid off.
"One of the most memorable moments was crossing the Queensferry Bridge in the middle of the night – we were being buffeted like a cork in a washing machine, then suddenly it all went calm.
"It was like something out of a comedy film."
TeamVAM drove from Knebworth House in Hertfordshire to John O’Groats, down to Land’s End in Cornwall, and back again.
"We’ve now raised more than £5,000 for Parkinson's UK, and we’re determined to keep going,” Shaun added.
"My mum, Jean, inspired us every mile of the way, and John and Hamish have become like family through this journey.
“I can’t thank our sponsors, supporters, and everyone who donated enough - they’re the real heroes, we just did the driving.”
To support TeamVAM and donate, visit their justgiving.com/page/teamvam.
Share