My Story

Hi, thanks for visiting our page. Edward Neville (aka Hawkeye) and I (Martin Smith aka Painless) have been friends since the early 70s when we were in the 6th form together in Ipswich. I invited Ned to join me as my 'Co-Driver' in the 2018 event when, between us, we raised nearly £4000 and were the 5th highest fund raisers! The idea to raise money for SSAFA by organising a road trip across Europe was the brainchild of Mick Clark and Benn Laidler both military servicemen who have served in most of the 'hot spots' over the last 25 years. SSAFA is a longstanding charity that offers support to all service people and their families when injuries suffered in the line of duty or death have occurred. The work that they do is invaluable and they really do need your support to continue doing it.

The rally has taken place every two years since 2010 and the 2022 rally will be the final run when we will be driving around 3000 miles, visiting 10 countries in 10 days including Hungary this time. We are aiming to raise well over £100,000. The idea is to drive a minimum of 5 miles for every serviceman killed in Afghanistan since the UK armed forces were deployed there(456 sadly).There will be 50 cars of many different types taking part, they don't have to be a 'modern classic' like my C36 AMG although that does add another level of satisfaction if we and the Merc. make it back to the UK again!

Through this website you can sponsor us and donations will be quickly processed and passed directly to SSAFA. We really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations to what is an extremely worthwhile cause.