Chess mates' Euro mission
Pals travel through 12 different countries to raise cash for CHAS
An Avondale trio have taken a trip of a lifetime through 12 different countries for charity – all in their uniquely-decorated bargain car.
Alastair Campbell, Jeff Wright, and Gordon Morrison, who are from Strathaven and Chapelton, travelled across Europe in their Saab 95 2.2tid, which only cost them £500, as part of the Motoscape Rally.
The trio fixed up the car – giving it their own quirky design with chess pieces – and took it all the way from Strathaven to the Czech Republic.
The team, who dubbed themselves the ‘Skotsky Czech-Mates’, had previously taken on the challenge to Venice, Italy and now wanted to complete the trip.
They decided to raise funds for the Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) in memory of pal Kenny Mills who passed away last year. And so far they have raised nearly £2000. The trio joined around 40 other teams in St Omer in France, having travelled through Scotland and England then through Euro-tunnel.
On the first day they took a run through France and Belgium down to Koblenz in Germany before heading for Italy the following day.
After enjoying the views in Venice,they made their way to Salzburg and despite a mixed day of weather, made their way though Austria to Prague.
They were then homeward bound to Strathaven and now plan to auction off the car to bring in more money for CHAS.
Following the trip, Gordon told the News: “In 2015 we completed the Motoscape Rally to Venice – winning the overall rally and raising funds for Beatson Cancer Care centres along the way.
“After finishing we promised ourselves we’d come back and do the full week event ending in Prague; so this year we did!
“This year’s nominated charity was CHAS and was also in memory of a friend Kenny Mills, taken from us last year far too young and far too soon.”
Gordon continued: “Many thanks to everyone who has supported us by donating to CHAS via our JustGiving page Skotsky Czech-Mates.
“Special mention must go to Drummond Miller who will donate £1000 to the cause and Strathaven and District Round Table who donated to our charity and also paid for our fuel during the trip.
“All that’s left is for us to clean up the car, sell it and add the cash to our total.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ skotskyczech-mates if you would like to donate.