MEET THE SCREWBALL PRINCESSES
2,000-MILE JOURNEY THROUGH EIGHT COUNTRIES IN FIVE DAYS FOR CHARITY
IF you live near Clifton, you might have seen a bejewelled, bright pink car making the rounds over the past few weeks.
Now, the Wacky Races-style vehicle is going on tour and the four men behind the wheel are embarking upon a 2,000-mile charity European road trip... dressed as princesses.
The “royal” bunch will be travelling to the continent in the Citroen Picasso they have fixed up in order to take part in the Screwball Rally – a fundraising event that involves more than 80 teams in decked-out and done-up cars travelling to eight countries in five days.
“We’re going over from Dover, over to Germany, up to Prague, Czech Republic, up to Poland, back over to Germany and then back to the UK. It’s five days, four nights, so just over 2,000 miles,” said Daniel Staples, who is no Screwball Rally newbie.
The medical calibrator, 31, of Clifton, explained: “I did the rally last year. It was a good laugh. You meet quite a few people and it is a nice drive round. Makes people smile.”
The local men are raising money and awareness for the Crohn’s and Colitis
UK charity, which is a cause close to fundraiser Michael Lancaster’s heart.
The 34-year-old welder, of Clifton, said: “I actually suffer with Crohn’s disease.
“I’ve suffered with it for about four years now.
“Hardly anyone speaks about it, as they don’t understand how serious it can be and how much it affects the person who has it.”
Choosing a theme for their fancy dress did not prove too difficult for the band of jokers.
Michael said: ““We were struggling for a theme and then we thought about what might win us a prize or make people laugh. We thought dressing as women, as princesses in a chariot, might be quite fun.”
Three of the princesses showcased their outfits as they added finishing touches to their rally car before the journey on September 19. Michael, dressed as Elsa from Frozen, George Cawthorne as Snow White, and Daniel, as Fiona of Shrek fame, will be wearing their costumes for the whole excursion. The fundraisers have been out and about in Nottingham to raise money for their chosen charity ahead of the big drive. The floor-length, sparkly gowns will be paired with wigs of flowing locks and will be a part of the challenge, as they will only be taken off at night. George says they’re nearing their fundraising goal The mobile body repairer, 33, of Clifton, added: “We’re hoping to get about £1,000 and we’re not far off.”
The group are being sponsored by ADI Network Limited, Radford Boxing Club and Butchers of Distinction to complete their trip. Michael, George, Daniel and fourth teammate Justin Lee Archer have taken months to deck out their royal ride to be fit for a princess (or four). It’s complete with loudhailer, giant tiara, flashing lights, gemstones, stickers, and topped off with a glittery pink paint job, which took two days to apply.
We thought dressing as women, as princesses in a chariot, might be quite fun
Michael Lancaster