A classic 1971 Mini, driven by Publishing Officer Pat King and her husband Stephen, made a pit-stop at St Nicholas School, Canterbury.
The Mini is taking part in the 2014 Italian Job rally to raise money for Variety, the UK children’s charity which provides Sunshine coaches and electric wheelchairs, and equips children’s hospitals and youth clubs. The Mini will drive through France, Belgium and Germany to Trento, Italy, where the rally begins on October 23. Kent is sponsoring the Kings as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.
St Nicholas School in Nunnery Fields, Canterbury, has three Sunshine Coaches and the Kings called in to show what they are raising money for – a coach costs between £19,750-£27,000. The community day school has 190 pupils who have profound, severe and complex learning difficulties. Many also have physical disabilities, epilepsy, autism and sensory impairment. Head teacher Daniel Lewis said: ‘The Variety Club Sunshine Coaches enable our students to experience a range of exciting and challenging activities in the local community and wider. Whether it is to other schools, the swimming pool, farms, museums, parks, castles or the beach it’s always expanding and enriching the lives of the pupils here.’
The Italian Job has raised over £2m for Variety since it began in 1989. Entrants are asked to pledge to raise at least £1,500 for the charity – so far the Kings look set to raise over £3,000 in sponsorship, donations and through various fundraising activities. You can support them via JustGiving and keep up with their exploits on the rally via Facebook at … and read Pat’s blog as she navigates their way around the Italian mountains.