Television star Danni and dad Robin go Monte Carlo or bust Father and daughter duo conquer rally for charity
The duo travelled through some of the most beautiful areas in Europe A father and daughter team from Kenmore conquered an ambitious European car rally to raise £2000 for a refugee charity.
Robin Menzies, owner of Mains of Taymouth Country Estate and Golf Course at Kenmore, took part in the Champagne Charlie Monte Carlo or Bust rally last weekend with his daughter Danni Menzies.
Danni may be familiar to many as the presenter of popular property show ‘A Place in the Sun’.
The duo have raised the cash for charity Help Refugees, who now fund more than 80 projects across Europe and the Middle East, making them one of the biggest facilitators of ‘grassroots’ humanitarian aid on the continent.
Starting at St Quentin in France on Friday, July 20, the rally took the form of a scenic route throughout the Champagne region of France, before entering Switzerland, then Italy, before reaching the finish line at Monte Carlo, Monaco on Monday, July 23.
Robin said: “We are delighted the car made it as you were not allowed to spend more than £500 on it.
“It was exciting, and a novel and challenging way to raise some money for a very worthy cause in a beautiful part of the world.
“We loved all the highlights and navigated many miles around tricky mountain passes to get to Monte Carlo. “The banger did well and so did we.” The team , called ‘Choose Love,’ bought a 1999 Saab convertible with their team name and love hearts decorating the body.
The rally challenge gives participants the chance to drive some of Europe’s most spectacular roads but there are no set routes, speeds, or clocks to race against.
However, the cheap cars are vulnerable to breakdowns and there are challenges they had to tackle along the way.
Danni said: “In total it was five countries over four days and we have raised just short of two grand.
“There were challenges to complete along the way such as getting a picture with a yellow flag, juggling eggs, or on a lawnmower at the top of St Bernard’s Pass.
“There were various break downs along the way but out of the 80 cars that took part everyone made it to the finish line – even if they were towed.
“The best part of the route was definitely driving over St Bernard’s Pass and along the Italian coast. Italy is my favourite European country.”
Danni and Robin with their prized vehicle
We have raised just short of two grand