Fundraiser in memory of James
A Cuckfield business owner is getting ready to drive an old banger from Belgium to Monte Carlo in memory of his 11-year-old son. Lawrence Howard lost his boy James in a tragic accident in Hurstpierpoint on July 7, 2010. Now he aims to raise £2,000 for Child Bereavement UK through a JustGiving page by taking part in the Monte Carlo or Bust Black Forest Gateau Rally from Thursday to Sunday, June 2-5.
A Cuckfield business owner is getting ready to drive from Belgium to Monte Carlo in memory of his 11-year-old son.
Lawrence Howard, 55, who is CEO of assistive technology company Thriiver, lost his boy James in a tragic accident in Hurstpierpoint on July 7, 2010.
He used to live in Hassocks Road in the village before moving to Aldwick and James attended St Lawrence C Of E Primary School.
Lawrence aims to raise £2,000 for Child Bereavement UK through a JustGiving page by taking part in the Monte Carlo or Bust Black Forest Gateau Rally from Thursday to Sunday, June 2-5.
“The idea is you buy an old banger and take it down to the south of France,” said Lawrence.
He said all sorts or weird and wonderful vehicles, each sourced for less than £500, take part.
“James absolutely loved cars,” said Lawrence, adding that the rally ‘embodies so many of the things’ that his son enjoyed.
“He loved old vehicles, tinkering around with them, and he loved adventures and getting into all sorts of scrapes,” he said.
Lawrence plans to complete the rally with James’s godfather Gary Bricknell and said he has purchased a green 2002 MG TF for the event.
“It looks much better in the pictures than it really is,” he said, adding that the roof of the two-seater, open-top car will be staying up for most of the trip.
“It will take three days and I don’t fancy driving through the mountains with the roof down,” he said.
Lawrence said the vehicle will probably be decorated with a Queen’s Jubilee theme.
He also plans to have a body graphic put on and cover the car in stickers, and he is looking at ways people could sponsor him in exchange for a sticker.
Lawrence is looking forward to the drive but he said it will not be easy, especially with the possibility of breaking down.
“It’s a case of will it survive, will it give up on us part way and how do we complete it?” he said.
Lawrence said Child Bereavement UK is an essential charity that provides tailored support so people can rebuild their lives after a child dies. Visit www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ lawrence-howard1.