A supercar event which saw high-performance cars race at Knockhill and criss-cross the Scottish countryside has raised £160,000 for Maggie’s Lanarkshire.
The “phenomenal” sum was more than double the original fundraising target for the four-day event, and will be used to support the cancer caring centre’s work in providing a wide range of vital practical, financial and emotional support.
Drive to Maggie’s assembled 50 prestige and classic cars including an Aston Vantage, Morgan, Ferrari 488 Pista, 1943 Alfa Romeo, McLaren 720 Spider and Bentley GTC Supersport for a nationwide adventure beginning from the Airdrie centre.
Setting off from the centre’s base in the grounds of Monklands Hospital, the drivers headed east to prepare for a parade and race day at the Fife motorsport centre.
Thrillseeking passengers made donations to the charity in return for experiencing flying laps of the course with Le Mans winner Jonny Adam and British touring car champion Gordon Shedden.
Drivers then showcased their cars along the roads of the north-east and Highlands, before boosting the fundraising total with a gala dinner and auction at Achnagairn Castle near Inverness and a scenic-route return to Lanarkshire.
The event was organised by Maggie’s Lanarkshire fundraising board chair Sandy Wilkie MBE alongside committee members Andrew Braidwood, Willie Paterson, Barry Wood and Chris Wilson.
Sandy said: “Drive to Maggie’s was a fabulous event which put a smile on a lot of people’s faces from start to finish; there were plenty of remarkable cars worth seeing from the launch and all along the way.
“It was a truly wonderful occasion with a galaxy of people coming together to support people affected by cancer – the sun shone every day, there was some spectacular scenery, wonderful entertainment and a fabulous display of generosity and kindness to a charity which is supporting people at a very challenging time of their lives.”
He added: “I’m very passionate about fundraising for Maggie’s and I’ve been very lucky to have been able to work with a lot of people who have given up their time to put this event together.
“Our committee members and I have been working to put on this inaugural Drive to Maggie’s event for a long time, and to raise £160,000 is absolutely phenomenal.”
Maggie’s Centre visitor Monica Kirson was among the supporters waving off the drivers as they set off from the Airdrie centre, saying: “It was wonderful to be part of the launch event; I’m forever grateful to Maggie’s for the support they gave me through my own cancer journey.”
Centre head Lorrie Cameron added: “We are extremely lucky that Sandy and his team got together to lead this supporter event for Maggie’s Lanarkshire.
“It was a brilliant four-day event with amazing cars crossing some of Scotland’s most beautiful countryside, and stars from the racing world giving their time to raise funds.
“People with cancer need Maggie’s more than ever right now and this event came at a perfect time – we can’t thank everyone enough.”
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