CLASSIC car enthusiasts from Hook are taking part in one of the toughest vintage vehicle tours in Europe to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Philippe and Sue Allison will drive their gleaming 1939 Citroen Light 15 Roadster, the second oldest car in the rally, in the final Cape to Cape Grand Classic Car Rally this April.

Alongside entrants from as far afield as America, the couple hope to help founder, Dennis Greenslade, reach his target of £1 million raised for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Philippe said: “Having completely restored this beautiful car to its original condition, Sue and I love taking part in classic car events and to raise money for Macmillan into the bargain just makes it all worthwhile.

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“We’ve known people who’ve had cancer and the wonderful support Macmillan has given them. The last 18 months has been very challenging for all of us and especially for people with cancer and charities like Macmillan. We’re already more than half way to our personal target of raising £5,000, with donations from generous supporters.”

Rally founder, Dennis from Cornwall, lost his wife, Tricia, at age 60 to cancer of the oesophagus. He said: “I feel very privileged to have turned my love of motor cars, fascination with maps, and experience of international rallying into one of the toughest classic car tours in Europe.

“Both my late wife, Tricia, and I felt it important to raise money for charity with the challenge. However, like so many entrants, over the years, the fundraising has become even more personal.”

The rally is not a race but a celebration of classic cars and brings together like-minded enthusiasts. The winner of the Cape to Cape is not the team that finishes first, but the crew that raises the most money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“Over the years, Cape to Cape has become more than a rally for those who take part,” Dennis added. “It has become an opportunity to reunite with friends and share our love of all things motor racing. With nearly 40 classic cars arriving into a town at one time - we can create quite a spectacle. It is wonderful, because locals enjoy coming out to speak to us and get involved. We will always make time for photos and a chat.”

The 2,700-mile escapade sets off from Newquay on April 23 returning via Cape Cornwall on May 7. The finale is a gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Bedruthan Hotel and Spa.

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Jemma Luker, regional fundraising manager, Hampshire shared her thanks to the participants for their support. She said: “The first event, Cape Cornwall to Cape Wrath, raised an amazing £32,000 and to date over £900,000 has been achieved. The support to date from the entrants, their friends, families, and generous supporters with arranging fundraising events, coffee mornings, auctions, street collections, and donations has been nothing short of brilliant.

“Everyone who takes part in a fundraising event for Macmillan has their own special reason and the funds they raise help us to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. We cannot thank the entrants and Cape to Cape supporters enough.”

The route will take in various points throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and a circular tour of the whole of Ireland providing plenty of opportunities for the public to meet the team and help them reach their target.

If you would like to find out more about the Cape to Cape Classic Car rally and would like to show your support, visit macmillan-org.enthuse.com/pf/philippe-allison.

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