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Rally for Heroes leaves Portsmouth to drive across Europe for SSAFA
8 August 2016
Serving personnel and veterans from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF were joined by civilians from all walks of life at the home of the Royal Navy, Aug 5, for the start of Rally for Heroes – an epic eight-day adventure in memory of those killed in Afghanistan aimed at raising £100,000 for SSAFA the Armed Forces charity
Ex-RAF Pilot, England Rugby veteran and SSAFA supporter Rory Underwood was joined by Rear Admiral Simon Williams, Naval Secretary, to drop the flag in front of HMS Victory at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, signalling the start of an epic eight-day adventure.
United by a love of cars and a desire to support our Armed Forces 120 people in 60 vehicles started their 3,000 mile drive across Europe in the Rally for Heroes - a biennial event that’s been raising money for British Forces Charities since 2010.
Each year, its professional staff and network of more than 7,000 volunteers help some 60,000 people.
The rally, which drives a clockwise route around Europe, takes in many famous locations. After leaving Portsmouth they travel to Brussels, Basel and Turin with a stop-over at the site of the old fiat factory featured in The Italian Job.
Then on to Monaco, home to a World Rally Championship Stage, driving the legendary Col De Turini mountain pass.
Then off to Girona where the TV hit drama Games of Thrones is filmed and across the Pyrenees before finishing in Le Mans.
A specially commissioned shell-case, bearing the names of those who died in the Afghanistan campaign, will travel with the rally in memory of the sacrifice made by so many.
Participants cover the cost of the trip themselves meaning 100% of funds raised go to SSAFA.
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force including reservists, and their families.
Each year, its professional staff and network of more than 7,000 volunteers help some 60,000 people, ranging from World War Two veterans to the families of young servicemen and women wounded or killed in Afghanistan.
Support them by making a donation at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/rally16