In the driving seat for charity drive
A Strathaven man is set to take on a North Coast 500 challenge driving in an old kids-themed car he bought for £400.
Roddie Mcmillan has already raised hundreds of pounds for local charity Trust Jack Foundation before he joins pals in next month’s ‘NC500 Banger Challenge’.
The aim is to take on the journey with a vehicle worth no more than £500.
And the 38-year-old already has his ride sorted with his pimped-up Vauxhall Corsa designed as a kids’ Cozy Coupe car.
It features a real version of the toy strapped to the top and a miniature one placed on the bonnet.
The colourful motor has also been modified and has many more fun gimmicks attached, as Roddie just hopes he can complete the mammoth scenic route with the car all in one piece and without breaking down.
It’s already been spotted out on the roads as Roddie has loved getting behind the wheel of his new vehicle.
He said: “I’ve done the North Coast 500 twice already but we decided this time to make it more of a laugh and all try to buy a motor for £500 or less and just try to raise some money for charity as we’re doing it. I chose the Trust Jack Foundation as it’s a local charity.
“It’s all about raising awareness for kids’ mental health.
“With everything going on with Covid it’s hard for children the now and it’s something close to my heart.”
Roddie and seven of his friends will start the North Coast 500 at the end of May where they will show off their “bangers” in the fun challenge. Roddie added: “I’m quite competitive with my mates so I wanted to try and have the funniest motor and it does get quite a lot of attention.
“It’s designed as a replica of the one that’s on the roof. I actually bought it like that, it belonged to a guy
that did some charity work with it before.
“It’s like a Top Gear style type of challenge so we’re going to go up and get lots of pictures and get it shared about and try to raise some awareness of our charities.”
After passing its MOT last week, Roddie’s real-life Coupe car is ready to hit the road, but he loves it that much he’s already been driving about during the week.
Roddie has already raised over £600 on a Just Giving page for the Stonehouse-based charity, and a further £150 through cash donations as locals are constantly stopping him to find out about his charity mission.
He has thanked everyone for their generous donations.
“At first I said I would try to raise £500 and if I could I’d be so happy and chuffed”, Roddie explained.
“But I’m not even away yet and I’ve smashed that so now I’m looking to hit four figures which I’m confident we’ll get.
“The charity’s told me how much even a donation of £10 can do for the charity, it’s all a huge help. Even a share can do so much in raising awareness of the Trust Jack Foundation.”
And when asked what he’ll do with the car after he’s completed the challenge, Roddie joked: “I’ll probably keep it, I’m not sure anybody’s whacky enough to buy it off me, but I love it.”
Donations can be made to Roddie’s fundraiser at www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/roddie-mcmillan