TRIUMPH ROADSTER 1947 and DOWN'S SYNDROME

In the years 2002 and 2003 I was invited to participate in the All - Party Parliamentary Classic Car Runs. This is the annual fundraising event for charity organised by the All - Party Parliamentary Motor Group. The benefiting charity in these instances was

The Down's Syndrome Association.

The guest of honour was the charity's patron, 1966 Formular One World Champion Damon Hill OBE, waiting to greet more than 70 cars from around the country as they arrived at Westminster.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Epsom & Ewell, Cllr. Keith and Maureen Mann, together with Epsom & Ewell MP, Chris. Grayling gave a formal "wave off" in my elegant classic 1947 Triumph Roadster on the Golden Jubilee Parliamentary Classic Car Run. Among the well-wishers to see me set off were local mother Donna Self with daughter Natasha (9) and son Andrew (5) who has Down's Syndrome.

In 2002 my guest to the Palace of Westminster was none other than the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, cllr. Keith Mann (a former patient of mine) deputising for a BBC Weather Forecaster who still had her leg in plaster.

Enroute we had to pop in to his house so that he could divest himself of his mayoral paraphenalia , as to be seen dressed in them in another mayor's territory is not the done thing!

On arrival at The Palace of Westminster, we had our photograph taken with Damon our car and proceeded to The Terrace in the House where Tea was taken. Thereafter, Damon made the presentations.

In 2003 it was the turn of Cllr. Jonathan
Reed, Mayor of Epsom & Ewell , together with as usual Chris, Grayling,to to give me a civic "flag off".

To greet us at the Palace were Damon Hill (his son Oliver has Down's Syndrome)and Britain's only Triple Formular One World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart OBE. After the usual Tea on the Terrace in the House, Sir Jackie made the presentations and cirulated amongst the drivers.

Sadly, on the the day ,Penny was suffering from serious " under bonnet" problems,

and could not attend. "Tuppence", my 1968 Austin Healey 3000 Mk 3 BJ8, deputised.

I wish to thank everyone locally who have helped me to raise funds. In particular, to fellow members of the Surrey Vintage Vehicle Society and to Epsom & Ewell Lions who helped me with collections at Superstores.

In the last eight years The All-Party Parliamentry Classic Car Runs have raised over £500,000.

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