Myrtle Mini is on her way home thanks to the RAC

Colleagues watch this space for the Myrtle home coming.  Thanks to RAC who have agreed to carry out the repatriation of Myrtle after accepting a contribution from the Wing Commander.

Roman Adventure Final Fundraising Total

Friends I am pleased to say with buckets counted and just a trickle of cash to collect we have raised:

£2861.03 to ELF Charity which includes gift aid and £500 to Woodenspoon.


That makes a grand total of £3361.03 Well done everyone.


Kind regards Nigel 

We need your help in getting the RAC to bring Myrtle home

Please adapt said email and send to customercareoperations.co.uk




Dear Sir/Madam 


Re: F283EFC

I have just been informed by your RAC contact in France that you are refusing to repatriate Myrtle Mini from Italy.

We purchased our breakdown cover in good faith to undertake the trip to Rome and raise money for two charities www.elfcharity.org.uk www.woodenspoon.com.

The market value of Myrtle was just given as under 1000 pounds this despite a 2500 pound refurbishment last year.

We have raised nearly 3000 pounds for charity and would ask you as a gesture of goodwill to consider repatriation to the UK of myrtle who is now well know on the Rugby and Devon charity circuits.

Please look at at www.myrtlemini.com 

Please again reconsider you decision.

Kind regards 

Nigel Gooding

Rugby plays second fiddle

Today is about Rugby but it is about this fantastic sport that brings people together - and today it's about Janes and Ruby.

Team Myrtle in Rome send big hugs, love and vibes from Rome Viva Ruby and James.

Nigel

Myrtle still unwell

It is with regret that Myrtle unwell we have missed the chance to meet the ferry at St Malo on Friday as a result I have come home to direct operations from IDE. Garage in Rome still unable to detect problem - will update tomorrow - in the meantime it would be rude not to try one !!!!

Fundraising update

With Myrtle off to the garage I can confirm that with yesterday's cash banked we have raised a fantastic £2596.78 pence to date.

Plus the Poachers bucket to come - you guys have done well thanks :)

ELF have now £2100 in their coffers well done :)

The day after - Sunday 12th Feb 2012

The first show since 1984!

The first snow since 1984 ish greeted us at the Stadio Olympico in Rome - The weather was shocking as was the rugby and frankly a challenging 6 Nations day.

I spent the evening in the company of my fellow West Countryman Scott "Gloster" Grendall and his delightful girlfriend Jo Searle.  A lovely evening which enabled us to obtain another 100 euros for our ELF.  Scott's dad is currently undergoing treatment for Cancer related to our cause and so our cause was very timely, our thoughts are with Mr Grendall senior.  

The picture says it all this morning as Myrtle is off to the garage for repairs as I did not feel confident enough to get me home safely.  Combined with a medical emergency at home Ashely has departed so if I do drive home it will be alone.  The clock is ticking though as I have to be on the day sailing from St Malo so lets see what the garage suggest tomorrow.  

You cannot have a drama when away on a trip like this it is important to keep life in perspective.  Myrtle is only a car and she is insured for repairs - our dramas are challenges sent to try us after all think of those 100s who were killed in that big stadia next to the hotel the Colessuim and all those who are ill today.  If we cannot can get home by driving I will find a way even if it means a container.  We raised a few funds yesterday but the weather was not conducive to badgering people for cash.  A suitable posting will follow.

Keep attacking off to watch Wales v Scotland.

When in Rome :)

Bloody relieved Wing Commander

I am in the process of moving from my booked apartment.  For a non smoker and ex-cancer patient the smell of stale smoke in frankly this room from hell means that I will be moving hotel which will prevent me from describing the frankly emotional day we had yesterday right now - so here are a few pictures to keep you going whilst I shift hotels and contemplate a frankly amazing 6 days.

Ok so here goes - well when in Rome with my Co-Pilot Hackers we ended in a very nice bar only to find it represents the diverse nature of Rome and frequented by some big rugger types who gave us 20 quid online this morning.

Yesterday was completely uneventful with the except of the breakdown and the traffic in Rome which frankly made me reach for valium and a large whisky.  The burnt fly attached to my pizza was the last thing I had to worry about.

Some old building in need of renovation

For experts note Haynes manual and make up bag!

Two hours into our day we stopped for lunch and when starting off noticed a lack of power.  You put your foot down and nothing power wise though the engine was still ticking over.  We checked the usuals HT leads etc and the weather was dry so no condensation in the distributor etc.  A quick call to Ian and Dave at Alphington Fast Fit and the nature of the problem was established the only problem being that the mechanic was 1250 miles away and although Hackers is an Electrician and the Wing Commander a Rake, Tussler, Rancontuer, and all round jolly nice bloke we were lost without technical help.  Call for technology - by sending a picture by email to Dave at Alphington Fast Fit he was able to talk us the problem.  Hackers armed with her make up bag innovated with nail clippers as a screwdriver and a memory board we were able to produce a gap between the points, clean them up and get on our way.  Splendid effort from Team Myrtle and Hackers.

Naughty boy points

Minis are so simple but it is the know how and thanks to Dave.  I have to say it left us tired and emotional.  I think Hackers was "manning" up more than me as I was left drained and mentally exhausted by a week that had seen us brave the elements only 100 miles from Roma get stuffed by a set of points.  For me this has a personal journey of payback for my cancer treatment and the stories from Ian re Ruby and Neil who for some reason I call Nick about his son James really made myself and Hackers really reflect on what we are doing.  I shouted at Myrtle with tears in my eyes (For the boys at Wessex RFC it was windy!)  I think the exact words were "Don't you offing let me down now" of course she did not, nor did Jenna who I have come to know as friend and a brilliant team player.  You single men and people needing an electrician snap her up quick, and if you happen to own a classic mini, boys you will have a result.

The drive into Rome can only be described as "flipping bonkers" I have never ever driven anywhere like in particular in a small car, across cobbled streets and mad drivers.  Parking then caused a problem taking an hour to find a spot.    My room was rubbish and so was Hackers and we have now moved to a spot just where the pictures were taken.

It is a very emotional experience typing this, lots of things are going on but one thing is sure I certainly did not let onto the girls in the bar last night that I was with a female electrician, who repairs cars, has piercings and a tattoo - that would be taking the when in Rome story too far!

Today I will be mainly drinking coffee and beer and having my picture taken in front Myrtle Mini as the hail starts as forecast! 

Arrived safely

After a challenging day we have arrived safely and gone to the bar - to celebrate will update you with events including the breakdown tomorrow ;) chow

50 miles to go

Despite a roadside breakdown we are just 50 miles away - watch twitter for updates !

Fundraising updates - all targets met!! Thank you

Mr G looking very pleased with efforts this morning in Pisa

This morning as we prepare to drive to a snow covered Rome, yippee (not) I am pleased to announced that we have broken all our fundraising targets for the Myrtle mini trip.

The total this morning stands at £2351.78 - the ELF Charity target of £1500 has been smashed and stands at  £1725.78 plus gift aid of £126 making a total of  £1851.78 plus the £500 from Radmore & Tucker makes the total £2351.78.  A fantastic effort thanks to everyone.  We still have the Poachers bucket and the Rome bucket in circulation and donations can be made online throughout the next weeks.

Keep attacking I am looking forward to pushing this towards 2.5k over the weekend.  Keep attacking and wrap up warm if you are coming to Rome!

Provided byFundraising Ideas Center

Day 5 Pisa

One of my main aim in doing this was to raise awareness of Leukaemia and raise funds for ELF who support the excellent work of the Haematology Centre, based at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, for the benefit of patients in Devon and beyond. The ultimate vision is to try and make leukaemia history in the South West.  It is organisations like these who raised money which enabled me 6 years ago to recover from Head and Neck Cancer to be the reasonable, staid, sane and quite dull character you see before you.  Without people like you the research needed to make some treatments possible would not be round now.  So a personal thank for me and those future generations will benefit from your charitable donations. 

I recall my own cancer treatment and in particular the chemotheraphy which I often described as an oxymoron.  Today I had an update from the dad of James and yesterday on the progress of Ruby who so bravely waved us off on Friday night but has been confined to barracks due to an infection.  Without sharing the full details with you it brought home the bad old days of my treatment in 2005.  I was 41 these guys are 6 and 8, and when I heard that a young “ward” friend had passed away and James was sad it really struck home to me that the ultimate vision “to make leukaemia history” is a worthy vision.

Together lets kick “Leukaemia’s arse” 

I wish I could get excited about today’s trip other than the news of funds raised was fantastic but today was mainly about driving on a long motorway from Varazze to Pisa with a bit of beach thrown along the way as we came down the West Coast of Italy.  Highly recommended for a beach holiday but unlike the Pizza restaurant we stopped of at lunch I hope that they will be able to serve Pizza next time.  The Monty Python "Cheese shop" sprang to mind.

As I reported yesterday Myrtle is only carrying two adults now as I felt that the weight of the extra person and luggage was flogging Myrtle and with another 231 miles to do tomorrow and then 1200 miles back to St Malo next week common sense prevailed and agent dig dropped off at the train station 

Some of you will know that I did my back in the Sunday previous to coming to Italy and then acquired a heavy cold along the way.  Far from feeling sorry for myself a dose of painkillers and over the counter drugs made the frankly last 4 days of difficult driving bearable.  The first proper cappuccino this morning made it all worth while.

We have driven 1024 miles overtaken 4 cars, yes 4 and today 5 lorries and 1 truck, on two occasions managed to get over 60 mph! We have refuelled 6 times and needed an engine oil top up.  There have been zero road rage incidents and many admirers of Myrtle and too few of the Wing Co!  So the girl has done good as some Football Managers may say.  Today we have had 192 web viewings compared with 111 yesterday and the website has been viewed over 1500 times, thanks to retweets from Welsh rugby legend Scott Quinnell and Wessex RFC old boy Matt Hopper now of England and Harlequins.

Fundraising news went well today, slow uptake on the justgiving.com site but a count of the Poachers leaving party bucket which as also used at Wessex RFC gave us a nice £213.66.  So that makes at 2130 this evening with gift aid the justgiving site showing £1501.62p, Cash in hand awaiting banking £312.22 plus further gift aid of £25 and the kind donation of £500 from Radmore and Tucker we have a grand total of £2338.84.  I am aware that the Poachers Inn bucket has been doing very well and with associated collections in and around the stadium I would be really sad if we did not reach £2500 by close of play on Saturday, in fact I know we will.  

Junior officers tend not to understand too many cultural things including a World Heritage Site, at a young age in particular Pilot Officer Hackers who when seeing the 12th Century engineering masterpiece said disappointingly “is that it....I thought it was bigger” 


Alas we could not get Myrtle close enough to the tower without the risk of being shot by the Police so I gave that one a miss as would hate to miss the rugger!

Keep attacking ! 

Day 5 - Comms update & fundraising update

Chums - no wifi still in the Hotel so mobile alas no thermometer update this morning so the total raised to date stands with the just giving site, gift aid plus £99 collected by the fantastic Mr Cockram means that we have broken through the £2000 barrier and raised a whopping £2060.12 to date - we have still have two buckets to count and a rugby match to collect from so things are looking really good - thanks again everyone ;)

Day 4 update - Italian techno problems

Crossing into Italy this shot took 5 seconds to take before I got out of there as you can road conditions a tad edgy

It has been a trying day but we are safely at the Hotel in Varazze and in Italy.

Pictures to follow !

I am writing this blog on my iPhone due to the WiFi not working at the interesting named Hotel Lido - whilst the visiting Uncle is able to access the Internet one has to query what he is actually watching to block off the Hotel's wifi connection.

The Hotel has an air of the 1930s about it than chic 2012 Italy. However we need to thank Fifth Consultancy for their kind sponsorship of all accommodation.

Day of contrasts Varrase at the end of the day

I am not Peter Prefect and we all make mistakes but today was a real whacky race. My huge hippo mistake today was not checking the relief of the route assuming that it was fairly flat cause it looked like that on a map. At 2000 metres in falling snow and with 6 feet of snow either side, failing light, deep snow covered mountains and ravines icy road and snow covered Myrtle we did no more than 10 mph in reaching the top. We were all frankly bricking it , of course being a bloke only admitting this about three miles down the other side of the mountain whilst eating a chocolate eclair - true leadership for you ;)

Fortunately it's all downhill from here well so it likes on the map but will check the terrain tomorrow just incase.

I know we have reached the magical £2k today and supporting Wooden Spoon and ELF's vision to eliminate Leukaemia in the South West I will brief you tomorrow and hopefully normal service will be resumed due to third world communications - the Uncle is smiling so it must be good what he is watching.

Day 4 - Fund raising update - £1936.12 raised to date

Yesterday the fund got a boost of  £82.12p from the good work of Nick Cockram who knocked on doors with his ELF shaped collecting tin.  Nick's son James 6 is currently undergoing treatment .  Nick let me have a picture of James in which this smiling happy lad wipes away the fears and insecurities  of us adults.  James like the fab Ruby I met on Friday has lost his hair through the treatment, like I did 6 years ago, many will say I have none now .  However with just £64 to our target it will be amazing to help our Rugby collection in Rome if you could dig deep and ask your friends to help us push the mercury through £2000 by tomorrow, lets do this for James and Ruby and others by supporting ELF.

Current total means we have at least £1436 to give to ELF plus 2 collections boxes bulging with notes and Euros.

Donating is easy online at www.justgiving.com/myrtlemini or by text in the number box put 70070 and text the words myrt99 £5 or any amount up to £10.

Day 3 - French Hills and Mountains

Great shot by Pilot Officer Hackers - The full moon over GAP

We are now 790 miles from Roscoff in the French Alps Town of GAP.  Today has been eventful starting at 1000 hours with -17c in Le Puy and Myrtle in real trouble.  At -17c even the best car would have a challenge starting including Myrtle and second time she fired with considerable manual intervention from choke and right foot.

The next problem was human breath with temperature in the car being around -13c breath was freezing on impact with the windscreen and side windows.  For 30 mins the only solution was to park her in the sun and await the temperature to rise.  Those that know Mini’s will know that by today’s standards the heaters and windscreen heaters are ineffective a hairy start to the day.  The only day I wore hat gloves and my coat whilst driving it was so cold.

The journey through the Ardeche and French Alps a mere 200 miles in comparison with previous days was delightful mainly clear roads and many horseshoe bends to take care of.

Myrtle is going well but with three in car with luggage I made an executive decision that on reaching the Coast we need to lose a passenger each day and follow behind by train.  Whilst Myrtle is capable of doing so I do not want to flog her all the way to Rome as the last two days she has had some hectic workforce behind her and frankly she is whacked.  I do want to get her home as well and so decision has been made.

I did our first Radio Exe broadcast today, thanks to Chris Dinnis and I think it went well - what also went well is news that Nick Cockram’s (Dad of James) ELF fundraising ELF raised a splendid 82 quid for the cause so thanks again Nick a splendid effort really appreciate it.

I must admit with 3 people in small MINI and in sub zero temperatures things can be difficult but whatever the drama lets remember Ruby and James and keep attacking.

Fundraising update - Day 3

We secured another 60 quid yesterday online so the grand total has moved up to 1854.50 - with Radio Exe covering the journey and the numerous cash we have in buckets else where confident of breaking the 2k this week :)  Thanks again.  Cold day ahead  - 16c in Gap.

Day 2 - Frankly flippin bonkers

Myrtle outside the hotel in Loches today

I have to say to drive 300 miles in frankly crazy driving conditions in a small mini with one excited co-pilot and a nervous wreck of a passenger was hardly the start I needed to the day.  Picture the scene a fairly comfortable if not cold night in a rather shabby French hotel was preceded by Crepes of the finest quality washed down with a few tour Cidres.  The room one I would imagine would be turned down by a German officer if they stayed here in the war as not being up their usual standard of cow shed it can only be described as “in need of some renovation and a heater that could do more than make an apology for the heating industry” 

Waking at 7 and considering a bath before breakfast as most Englishmen abroad would do  pulled back the curtains with horror only to reveal 4 inches of snow laying deep and crisp and even.  Hackers was awoken and it was like all her Christmas had come at once as she scuttled along from her room, her window in her cell would only achieve a view if you had a step ladder and an external telescopic ladder.

The view from the window was frankly beautiful but scary.  The first two days of the trip are the long hauls.  My thinking being that 2 long days early on would give the chance to relax later in the week and break the back of the journey, if not mine.  Will we get out the Village? If so how far? and if so would the roads be open.

I had heard from the French lorries drivers that snow clearance is frankly piss poor so much so it makes the English Highways Authorities best practice experts when we have had 1cm of snow last year.  

Myrtle was covered in snow fortunately outside the Boulangerie which was open, the roads  cannot be cleared but as least you can get a fresh some fresh bread!  She started first time and with front wheel drive plonked her outside the front of the Hotel.  

As one wag suggested that I strap the french loafs from the bakers to Myrtle and use her as a motorised sled.

The next 30 mins can only be described of french farce as passenger known as dig could not make up her mind whether my mind whether she wanted to die just yet at the hands of Isambard.  I can understand her thought patterns had thought gone completely barking proposing to drive 250 miles in a small mini in falling snow, with 5 inches on the ground and piss poor snow clearance on the roads.

I packed the car and frankly ready to go as prevarication reigned.  I am not totally bonkers so decided the motorway route although less scenic guaranteed a measure say 45% chance of survival at the end of the day.  I was proved right.

Somewhat clearer conditions further South

It took us over an hour to drive the 25 kms to the motorway.  No snow clearance and a bunch of French Sunday slow drivers that would put a London cabbie to shame.  At times the road was 5 inches deep in snow and the only route when not sliding around was to get into the tracks of the car in front.  

The arrival at the motorway was not much better, the toll booths were closed and deep in Snow - too deep to drive into - that was my excuse i was sticking to it (only to have a very long winded conversation with the border guards, opps Toll booth operator at Clermont about why I did not come Paris today - either way it cost me 36 euros!)  

The next 2 hours was the most painful driving experience i have ever had - 30 mph on a single track through the snow on the motorway - in effective salting and gritting and only at the end snow ploughs tested Myrtle to her limits.  I stopped twice in the middle of the empty motorway to defrost the windscreen wipers - a dangerous activity at the best of times but in falling snow frankly a must do - the road was empty.

It was a tad hairy and any slight relaxing of the grip of the wheel you felt Myrtle slip left or right on the packed snow.  She was also very sluggish - as she was packed with ice underneath and her underbelly skirting the top of the snow.  At 30 mph control was easy but I was wary that any slight mistake could have been fatal.  

I am pleased to say that I am typing this as we head south of Clermont towards Le Puy on a clear motorway - agent dig is driving and Hackers is asleep in the back - the road is void of any road snow. Travelling through the beautiful Volcanic region of the Massif Central - my A level Geography days remind me of the stacks and French rift valley.  This is Rugby country and as we travel through I am following the ireland v Wales match on twitter.

We have had many a French rugby fan at various service stations come up to us and admire Myrtle and discuss Rugby.  I am really proud to be part of this great sport.  Even if Matt Dawson on twitter seems to think that the English Ref, Dave Pearson was not up to the mark today,  Wales win 23-21.

Fundraising has been slow today but I see another 60 quid added online today (Thank you)  we are doing very well with 6 days to go before the match :)  

Whatever happens today we are thinking of little James and Ruby back in Exeter.

The motto of my rugby club Wessex RFC is Semper Audex “ever daring”  today was daring enough thanks very much! 

Wing Commander.

PS: Just arrived at Hotel 12 hours after setting off !!!! Time for a cider!!!!!! 

A spot of bother!

Well this is the view which presented us with a "spot of bother" this morning! Bugger! 

Day 2 - Fund raising update

With day 1 in the bag I can confirmed that the current official online and "counted" to date cash stands at 1804.50 pounds.  I know however that within the collection box that Neil Cockram has collected which is at ELF HQ and the bucket which is strapped to my side at all times plus the Poachers bucket we have a considerable lot more to bank.  Thanks again and please send the www.justgiving.com/myrtlemini link to your friends.

Lets see if we can raise it during the 400km today.

Wing Commander - George Sands Hotel (No idea who he was but suspect it has not changed since he was living here)

Day one - 312 miles later - Get on England!!!!!!!

French Truckers

6 Nations Scotland v England in the view of the Medieval Castle at Loches cannot be better if not a nervous England- We are 312 miles from Roscoff we are safely in the beautiful Central French town of Loches.  A great win for England.  Helped down by Normandy Cidre.

It has been a long day and a short night.  The ferry crossing was uneventful with exception of some very generous Rugby loving French truckers who donated their Euros to ELF.  Fair play boys that is what rugby is all about.

Myrtle purred her way across the freezing French Countryside with gusto - thanks to Dave at Alphington Fast Fit for getting her tuned to perfection.  The Wing Commander and and the Pilot Officer shared the driving despite the freezing water enjoyed a picnic - the cheese is to die for.

I understand heads were spinning last evening at Poachers last night and the bucket was filled.  Our bucket is heaving with notes.

I was honoured last evening to meet Ruby a beautiful 8 year old girl who waved us off.  Ruby is having treatment for Leukaemia and her bravery and courage is a lesson for us all.

So here we are at the George Sands Hotel In Loches its bloody freezing and its budget (thanks to FifthConsultancy.com for their sponsorship of all the accommodation) all cost are covered by corporate sponsorship so every quid raised goes to ELF and Wooden Spoon.

A mere 390 km to go tomorrow! Keep attacking.

Follow us live on RadioExe

Myrtle Mini will be live on Chris Dinnis, Radio Exe shows next week following our journey to Rome.  Chris and Myrtle will be on air between 1300 - 1400 looking after the welfare of Myrtle Mini.

Chris Dinnis will ask ‘how the journey is going’ ‘where you are on that day’ ‘are you on time’ ‘how’s Myrtle Mini coping with the journey’ and perhaps a little description of where you happen to be at the time of the calls.

Chris Dinnis will call us every day Monday through Friday Feb 6^th through to and including Friday 10^th.  After each call Chris Dinnis will ‘plug’ the challenge and credit both ELF and the Wooden Spoon and ask our listeners to make a donation by visiting the Radio Exe home page and or by visiting the just giving.

We would like to thank Jonathan Carter of Radio Exe for his help in this.  

Myrtle started first time this morning - this is it!

Myrtle started first time this morning and is finally ready to head for Europe this evening leaving the Poachers at 1915 - please feel to come along and bring your loose change as Ruby our mascot will be there to send us off.

Myrtle's 6 Nations starts tomorrow - 24 hours to go

This time tomorrow evening Myrtle will safely on-board a Brittany Ferry bound for Roscoff.  I just want to give a big thank you to everyone who has helped us get to this point.  To John Tucker, Lee Dart, Ian Rae, Jonathan Carter, John Tyrer, Hackers, and of course Tony Stearman.

I would like to thank those who have put up with my coin throwing at the Poachers and to the great staff at ELF in particular Katie.

Tomorrow will be a long day but we are now over 1750 quid towards the charity and with radio and TV coverage next week, plus the leaving and welcome home party, our bucket collections our 2000 target should be easily achieved.

I am hoping that Ruby Myrtle's 8 year mascot will be there if she is well enough.


Please feel free to come along tomorrow and wave us off between 1800 and 1915 at The Poachers in Ide(EX29RW) and wave us good-bye.

At 2000 this evening we have raised 1745 through online and offline donations - excluding our buckets which are getting heavy.

Provided byFundraising Ideas Center

2 more big sleeps to go and our total climbs above £1700 pounds

At 1300 hours today the total raised excluding collection tins and buckets equals £1703.25p pence.

All systems are go for Friday and just two more big sleeps.

3 more big sleeps and 32.96p required

With just three more big sleeps and the Wing Commander is nursing a sporting injury sustained ay Topsham RFC on Sunday.  Thank goodness for Osteopaths!  In my absence I notice we need just 32 quid to reach the magical 1000 pounds for ELF so if you have not donated please do so now as I refuse to leave unless that figure reaches 1000 quid!!!!!!  The grand total including gift aid raised is 1542 pounds thanks to those who have donated and we have the Poachers Bucket and the Car Bucket running hand in hand.

At 1000 hours on Sat 28th Jan 2012 the total raised to date stood at

Provided byFundraising Ideas Center

You know there is someone out there that needs our help

As someone 6 years ago faced Cancer and had tremendous love and support from loved ones and those charities in particular such as FORCE the conversation I have had in the last two days has really brought it home that if we cannot dig deep for ELF or other charities then we need to search our souls.

Ian Rae who owns Alphington Fast Fit and has tended to Myrtle was updating me on the progress of the little girl aged 8 who illness prompted us to start this bonkers venture.  Last evening Basil stupidly left me and Pete Bishop in charge of the pub and the first customer I served was Neil whose 6 year old, two years was diagnoised with Leukameia.  Neil asked for a collecting ELF and a sticker sponsorship on Myrtle.  Neil is going to do the rounds of Exeter pubs with his ELF to raise further funds for our appeal.

You know we all look at our own lives mine included having returned to Devon  just before before Christmas with a dour perspective on it - but Luekaemia touches the hearts and bodies of people young and old and frankly a cause worth supporting and one to say 'people out there need our help..I am proud to help" Please give your support we are on our way to £2000.

Current Fundraising status

With 8 days to go the total collected for the Myrtle Mini charity trip at 1700 hours on Thursday 26th Jan 2012 stands at 1441.29.  This includes the 212 pounds raised by the Poachers bucket, the 882.04 plus 59.25 gift aid on the Myrtle Mini website and 500 pounds from Radmore and Tucker.


Many thanks - Wing Commander Isambard

8 days to go and £121 quid to go!

Ok so with 8 days to go the last thing you need is strange sound coming from Myrtle when idling and foot off the gas.  Fortunately Dave at Alphington Fast Fit was able to get onto the case fairly quickly and sort the problem out - thanks guys another fantastic job.  We owe you guys!

I was approached by a random older gent today in the street who gave me a tenner for our car run - the great thing about it I was able to go straight onto the text donation service and show Mr Soul his tenner plus gift aid!  Giving via mobile is really simple - type 70070 in your text address where you put a telephone number and in the freeform box type in - MYRT99 then the amount £2 OR MORE

- 12 days and counting

With 12 days to go last minute planning is underway.  Despite yesterday mishap with the Wing Commander blowing the radio unit and needing professional help Myrtle is ready to roll.

Our ELF friends confirmed that the Poachers bucket had over 212 pounds in it some combined with cash raised online, other donations and gift aid ELF are now 880 quid better off and the Myrtle Mini appeal having raised 1380 to date.

As we at Wessex RFC say keep attacking "Semper Audax"

England Rugby Mascot Pete Cross supports Myrtle Mini’s fundraising trip to the RBS Six Nations Italy v England match on the 11th Feb 2012.

Left to right (Myrtle Mini, Tony Stearman, Landlord Poachers Inn, Sarah Shaw ELF, Nigel “Isambard” Gooding and Pete Cross, England Rugby’s Mascot)

England Rugby’s mascot Pete Cross this weekend endorsed Devon's Rugby’s attempt to raise money for Exeter based charity Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) and Rugby’s own charity Woodenspoon.

On the evening of Friday the 3rd Feb 2012, Exeter based Wessex RFC President and Devon Rugby Society Referee Nigel “Isambard” Gooding will be setting off with a co-pilot Jenna “Hackers” Hackworthy for the overnight Plymouth to Roscoff ferry starting the 2500 miles round trip.

The aim of the trip is to drive Myrtle, Nigel’s classic mini from the Poachers Inn in Ide to Rome and back supporting England Rugby in their Six Nations match with Italy whilst raising money.

Nigel nicknamed Wing Commander Isambard said today “Pete Cross is a English Rugby legend and we are supporting two great causes and having a lot of fun... local businesses have sponsored Myrtle including servicing, accommodation and ferry crossings so 100% of the cash raised will go to the two great charities.. we still have some corporate sponsor opportunities available and logo space on Myrtle...and of course the text donation service and the just giving pages.

Myrtle leaves the Poachers Inn, Ide, EX2 9RW at 1915 on Friday 3rd Feb 2012  all are welcome.

Pilot Officer Jenna "Hackers" Hackworthy

Myrtle has a Facebook, Webpage and Twitter accounts where you will be able to track her progress and make donations.  Her webpage is www.myrtlemini.com Twitter: @MyrtleMini and just giving page www.justgiving/myrtlemini.com  Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/MyrtleMini

For further details on Myrtle Mini’s trip can be obtained from Nigel Gooding on 07827 293683

Pictures were taken by John Tyrer feel free to use but give suitable credit.

www.elfcharity.org.uk

www.woodenspoon.com

Myrtle Mini Departure Party announced

https://www.facebook.com/events/286524471405074/

Myrtle min will be leaving the Poachers Inn at 1915 on Friday the 3rd Feb 2012.

Feel free to come along join in the fun and donate to the great charities we are supporting.

Myrtle Mini appeal blasts through 1000 quid barrier

The Myrtle Mini appeal today has today reached the magic 1000 pounds barrier with pledges of 800 pounds plus 200 plus raised on the justgiving.com site plus gift aid and the Poachers bucket becoming full we are well on our way - thank you :)

MyrtleMini appeal 320 quid better off

With all costs for the Myrtle Mini trip covered by sponsorship and all monies raised going to Woodenspoon and ELF - Devon Rugby Referee Wing Commander Nigel "Isambard" Gooding (pictured left) has pledged his refereeing milage expenses for this season to the Myrtle Mini appeal.  These currently stand at 320 pounds but should easily reach 500 pounds by the end of this current season.

Rugby referees do not get paid for matches but can claim milage to matches to cover petrol and running costs - in essence Nigel is covering the petrol costs for free and giving his expenses to the www.myrtlemini.com appeal.

A big thank you to Lee Dart of Select Signs, Exeter for his support

A big thank you to Lee Dart of Select Signs, Exeter for his great work in supplying the artwork and transfer designs for Myrtle. I hoping to have her ready for the 21st Jan 2011 photo shoot.