‘Race4Grace’ car rally

Two men are taking on a European car rally through nine countries, dressed as lifeguards in a car bought for £650 to help raise funds for a Colchester girl with a rare genetic condition. John Everett, 42, a vehicle body repairer who lives in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex and Rich Lessemun, 46, an HGV driver who lives in Boxford, Suffolk, met at a Classic VW car club and are taking part in the Two Ball Banger Rally through nine countries in four days, starting in France on 15th August.

There are few rules, but the car must have been bought for less than £789 and fancy dress is obligatory. The two men have chosen a Baywatch theme and plan to compete dressed as lifeguards.

John, who has two children with his partner Nina Wilson said: 'The race is a bit of fun, it's not about the time taken but there are points and prizes given for things like the best fancy dress, winning the evening pub quiz etcetera. It's something I've been wanting to do for ages and when I heard Rich was up for it too, we thought we'd sort it out and hopefully raise some money in the process.'

"We're pretty pleased with how the car looks – decorated with stickers, life buoys and more, and we're going to be dressed as lifeguards, in spite of not exactly have lifeguard physiques! And Rich can't swim.

"We figured it would be good to raise some money as well as enjoying the race. We've met Grace and her family at a Hope for Grace football event, and were keen to fundraise for a specific person rather than for a huge charity. Our fundraising campaign is called Race 4 Grace. We've had a lot of help with fundraising from my partner Nina and Rich's Connie Duff. People have already been extremely generous but we are hoping to raise as much as possible for Grace."

Grace Beverton, 6, from Colchester start having severe seizures in 2018 aged five and a half months. Following several frightening hospital admissions and a barrage of tests, she was finally diagnosed with a mutation of the gene RHOBTB2 (x.1448G>A) following consultation with a genetics specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Grace is one of only 38 people diagnosed with the condition around the world, possibly only the third in the UK.

Her family and supporters fundraise constantly to fund therapies and equipment which are not available on the NHS. Grace cannot walk or talk, and as there are so few cases like Grace's it is difficult to know how she will develop.

The current aim is to find specialised and intensive physiotherapy sessions to help Grace sit unaided. Longer term goals might include milestones such as bearing weight on her legs or even standing and walking. There is also likely to be specialised equipment needed, as well as possible adaptations to the family home.

Grace's Dad Dale, 35, a police officer said: "It's a pleasure to be associated with John and Rich. They are amazing people and show such love towards Grace. I wish them all the luck driving around Europe. It's great that they will be raising awareness of Grace's condition as well as raising much-needed funds. We can't wait to hear all about it when they return and follow their progress on the social media page. Thank you John and Rich and everyone helping in the background. We are truly grateful."

Grace's family is being supported by children's charity Tree of Hope which helps families fundraise for children like Grace with healthcare needs where the NHS cannot and provides charity status to benefit from gift aid, corporate support while also providing donor reassurance.

Tree of Hope CEO Becky Andrew said: "This sounds like a fantastic event and we wish John and Rich all the best both with the race and with their fundraising! Tree of Hope are here to support however we can."

For more information about the Two Ball Banger Rally, visit https://www.twoballbangerrally.co.uk/the-route/original-rally.html
 

To see some of the preparation for the race and follow the two men on their journey, visit https://www.facebook.com/raceforgracerally

To sponsor John and Rich or to donate to Grace’s fund, visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/grace-beverton or https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Race4grace