Why is it different?  Because this one takes us all from Bristol to Biarritz or bust!  It’s a fantastic run to the sun with Bristol Media members in order to raise funds for our charity the Jessie May Trust.  It’s high octane, high fun and will be highly contested.  And it’s a big retro 80’s theme.  

Why? Well, we want to raise £25,000 for our chosen charity; The Jessie May Trust cares for children and young people with a terminal illness; they care for them at home where they feel comfortable and loved. However, caring for them is a relentless responsibility for parents, family and friends. The Trust provides a free Palliative Care Service for children and young people who are not expected to live beyond nineteen years and work in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.  It’s a very worthwhile cause.  So, let’s help them out. 

In order to do so, we are seeking a minimum of 10 teams, raising £2,500 each per car, in motors that are over 25 years old....taking us back in time to the good old Eighties!

We are holding an initial planning meeting on Tuesday 18th January from 1230-1400 at McCann Erickson, Communications House, 125 Redcliff Street, Bristol BS1 6HU.  If you are interested in attending this or in joining the Rally, please email Caroline@bristolmedia.co.uk.

The Rules: each company or member must raise a ‘gate fee’ of £2,500 per car; this goes directly to the Jessie May Trust.

The Cars: have to be from 1985 or older; no new fangled motors, friends.  (Got a Capri, Granada or even an MG or Bug?  If so, race on.)  Oh, and you can’t spend more than £2,500 on your motor either.

The Dough: teams can sell car sponsorship to clients, suppliers, friends or families to help them raise the £2,500.  If you want to sell your motor on E-bay at the end and get your investment back, no problem.  If you want to put it in the charity pot too....then no problem!

The Racing: it’s not so much a time race (which could be illegal and ill-advised) more a ‘task-based’ journey. Honest.   Leg one: Bristol to Paris; Leg two: Paris to Biarritz; Leg three: back to Brizzle.

The Dates:  May 2011 

The Prizes: for best motor, best excuses, best looking team, best escapade, best accessories...you get the picture

The Dull Stuff: fuel, insurance (including continental cover), driving licence, MOT, breakdown cover, food, accommodation, ferries, motorway tolls, alternative travel arrangements and all other incidentals (warning triangle, luminous jacket, fire extinguisher,  first aid kit etc) are your responsibility and cost.  Jeez, it’s a fundraising challenge, not a holiday! 

Here are a few Rules: This event is a challenge not a race, and no unsafe or illegal driving will be condoned. You must follow all rules and directions given by Rally marshals.  There must be at least 2 drivers in each car.  No unsafe modifications allowed to the cars.  At the end of the Rally, you must either drive your car back to Blighty, sell it locally or dispose of it appropriately and legally (e.g. a local scrap yard). You must not abandon it at the roadside, in an airport car park etc.  Once you have paid the "gate fee", no refunds will be made if you fail to start or complete the Rally.

The necessary Disclaimer : Bristol Media is acting only as a fundraising coordinator in connection with the Rally.  Specifically, Bristol Media is not acting as a package tour operator or any other kind of travel agent! Your participation in the Rally is entirely at your own risk, responsibility and cost.  Specifically, you are responsible for making, and paying for, all your own travel and other arrangements and for complying within all applicable laws.  To the fullest extent possible, Bristol Media disclaims all liability for any injury, damage, loss, expense etc suffered or incurred by you in connection with the Rally - sorry but that's just how it is!  (NB this does not limit any liability Bristol Media may have for death or personal injury caused by its negligence).