News

For over 25 years North Devon’s annual Legendary Grand Tour has become a firm fixture for August Bank Holiday and attracts Mini owners from all over the UK. Organised by Mini enthusiast Terry Baker and his wife Linda from Minehead, the latest Mini run raised an amazing £22,204 which brings the total amount raised for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) since it began to a staggering £626,218.36!

Mary Gray, Area Fundraiser for CHSW said:

The recent Legendary Grand Tour saw 200 Minis take part, many of the cars and people in fancy dress, and the response from the spectators was once again incredible. We can't thank the Mini run team enough for organising, yet again, a wonderful event!

Mary explains how the event started in 1996 after mini run organiser Terry was asked if he’d bring his car to Little Bridge House to surprise a young Mini fan called Christopher, who was staying at the hospice for respite.
“Terry ended up taking Christopher for a ride around Bideford, Northam, Appledore and Westward Ho and it got noisier and noisier as we went because Christopher kept pressing the horn as they went round.

“Terry met Christopher that day and got to meet a lot of the carers and people who worked at the hospice and realised just what a special place it is. From then on, they said that they wanted to support the children’s hospice.

"The Legendary Grand Tour has become Christopher’s legacy left to Children’s Hospice South West and part of the tour weekend is the same route they took him on all those years ago – and I’m sure it is just as noisy!”

Adele Smyth-Richards and Sally Norden, Sibling Workers at CHSW’s Little Bridge House children’s hospice in Fremington, were excited to take part again this year. The Mini they took part in had very generously been loaned to them by Vertue in Barnstaple. Adele said:

It was a privilege to be a part of the Legendary Grand Tour again this year. The atmosphere was amazing and seeing the people lining the streets to give the Minis a wave and cheer them on was very moving. The amount of money raised by the Mini run is incredible and organising the event must be such a huge task each year, they do an amazing job. Taking part is a highlight of my year and I’m looking forward to taking part again this August!

A wide range of activities are offered to siblings of children accessing care at all 3 of CHSW’s children’s hospices. From making the most of the fantastic hospice facilities, to going out on trips to places like the zoo, the beach or even the local fire station. These activities are a wonderful chance for siblings to bond and build friendships with others who have similar family situations as well as an opportunity to receive emotional and practical support from the team who are on hand to support them through their journey with the hospice.

To find out more about fundraising for CHSW please visit www.chsw.org.uk/getinvolved