A charity drive featuring classic E-type Jaguars has raised tens of thousands of pounds.
The third annual Round Britain Coastal Drive, organised by the Jaguar E-type Club, successfully concluded after 19 days and 4000 miles, which included stops in Ross and Cromarty, Sutherland, Ayrshire, Inverness, Dundee and Angus, and Edinburgh.
Having raised £150,000 for leading men’s health charity, Prostate Cancer UK, over the previous two years, the club is well on its way to achieving its 2018 target with over £40,000 of £70,000 already raised, and more coming in every day.
Beginning at Pendine Sands, Carmarthenshire, E-types were flagged away by land speed record-breaker Don Wales, grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell MBE and nephew of Donald Campbell CBE, two of Britain’s greatest land and water speed record-holders. Don kindly agreed to support the event after recently undergoing successful treatment for prostate cancer himself.
Each stage of the Drive comprised around 180 miles, with most participants signing on for one or two stages. Quite a few, on finishing their stage, signed up straight away for further days later in the drive, and this year five crews committed to driving the whole way round.
Reaching John O’Groats in the north and Land’s End in the south, the Round Britain Coastal Drive also took in Lancashire, Cumbria, Northumberland, Norfolk, Yorkshire, Essex, Sussex, Hampshire, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset before concluding in Tenby, with a final congratulatory photo-call for the five ‘all-rounders’ back at Pendine Sands.
The drive received terrific support on the way round. SNG Barratt provided sponsorship and back-up in the form of mechanic Peter Stant, who alternated with Andy Waters from CBR Motor Bodies. Listers Jaguar of Droitwich loaned an F-Pace as back-up vehicle as well as supplying car door stickers for the whole team.
Participants were hosted in Scotland by Jimmy Stewart of Classicfabs at Ben Nevis Distillery, as well as by Tertius Threipland at Dunbeath Castle, in Essex by Abbott Racing and Woodham Mortimer, in Kent by Turner Classics and Devon by Teignmouth Town Council.
A number of Prostate Cancer UK team members also took part – acting as navigators for Philip Porter in 848 CRY – iconic ‘star’ of The Italian Job.
As can only be expected when a fleet of E-types roars into town, there was plenty of interest from the general public. From local E-type owners and enthusiasts casting an expert eye over the newcomers, to a couple of small boys who had the chance to sit in an E-type for a photo.
The Round Britain Coastal Drive was devised in 2016 by E-type Club co-founder Philip Porter, the renowned automotive book publisher and author, after he was successfully treated for the disease.
Philip said: ‘The aim was to give E-type Club members a great driving event at the same time as raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK, and awareness of the disease. It was meant to be a one-off event but proved so popular that we’re now running it for the third consecutive year.
‘We have cars and crews coming from abroad, including the States, and even have people who have bought an E-type so they can take part.’
Angela Culhane, CEO at Prostate Cancer UK, said: ‘We are truly inspired by the tremendous efforts of Philip and thank him and everyone that joined him on the Round Britain Coastal Drive.
‘This incredible event has so far raised over £40,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, and we are delighted to hear that any funds raised through our partnership from October 1st onwards will be match-funded pound for pound by an anonymous partner.
‘This generous offer will go towards supporting our Specialist Nurses services, the UK’s only telephone and live chat support specific to prostate cancer, at Prostate Cancer UK.
‘Our Specialist Nurses are here for anyone living with or concerned about prostate cancer or prostate problems.
‘There are over 400,000 men living with the disease in the UK, which means this service will continue to act as a lifeline for so many. By doubling the value, we are doubling the difference to the lives of men and their loved ones.’
The E-type Club was founded by Philip Porter and his wife Julie in 2004, following formation of the successful XK Club seven years earlier. The E-type Club now has members in more than 50 countries and, in addition to organising driving events, provides owners with expert advice via a 72-page monthly magazine.
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