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General => General discussion => Topic started by: bobbarley on 18 February 2012, 19:12
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Most of you guys on the forum know me, we've probably met up at various meets in the past. For anyone that doesn't I've been on the forum for a number of years now, do my best to help make the place fun, plus I've not turned to the dark side, or dark pump, GTI FTW!!
Most of you are aware that in January my girlfriend and I had our first beautiful baby girl, Myla, weighing 4lb 4.5ozs. She was premature at just 36 weeks due to some complications in the pregnancy. We were incredibly lucky as she was able to take care of herself, didn't require any special medical treatment and came home after 4 days. Shortly after we found out we were pregnant my friend Jerome found out that he and his wife were expecting as well. We were really excited, often sharing our experiences and any tips that we had learnt along the way. They gave birth to their gorgeous little baby boy in February, Grayson. He was also premature due to complications , 34 weeks, weighing just 3lbs.
Unfortunately that is where the similarities end. He was doing very well, but 7 days later they discovered that he had necrotising enterocolitis (http://www.action.org.uk/our_research/bowel_problems_newborns_%E2%80%93_improving_diagnosis_necrotising_enterocolitis), a devastating bowel disorder that mainly strikes in premature babies. By the time he was diagnosed it was too mate. He passed away shortly after, just 7 days old.
It's effected me in a big way. Partly because I've been devastated for the loss of my friends baby, a poor innocent little thing that was never given a chance. But over time I've realised that our babies were only 2 weeks apart. There was a 3% chance our angel could have developed the disorder, and that scared me. To be honest I've struggled to think about much else in the past week or so.
However, I've decided that instead of looking back on everything I want to take this experience and move forward in a positive way. I don't want to just sit around when I know I could do something to help others in the future when this disorder occurs.
So.....
A good friend of mine Greg Bolshaw and I have just registered to take part in the Motoscape Rally 2012 (http://www.motoscape-rally.co.uk/). It's a 7 day rally starting just south of Calais on 1st September 2012 and finishing 7 days later in Prague, Czech Republic.
We're doing this to try to raise money for Action Medical Research (http://www.action.org.uk/). The reason for this is they're currently researching necrotising enterocolitis. Their aim is to develop techniques/apparatus that will allow the disorder to be detected much earlier. That way babies can be treated before it is too late. They also research a range of other conditions, it's a very worth while cause.
It's a banger rally so we need to get hold of a car with a value up to £333, then drive it 1,600 miles to Prague! this is where I'm hoping you guys could help out.
We need a car.
We're going to be keeping our eyes on local papers, Auto Trader and eBay, but there's nothing like the power of having hundreds of people throughout the country.
The ideal scenario would be if we could get a car for free, perhaps if someone has a car that they're just scrapping, or knows someone else that has, that is willing to help out. Of course if needs be we'll pay for a car, but getting a working car for about £300 is definitely a challenge. We're looking for pretty much anything, all cars will be considered. Diesel would be best if possible, and it needs to either have an MOT that expires after September 2012, or wouldn't need much work doing to it to obtain an MOT.
As mentioned the aim of this is to raise as much money as Possible for Action. We're going to be looking to take donations, and also hoping to work our some sponsorship deals with varies companies, whereby we swap advertising space for donations.
Apologies that this is such a long post, but there was a lot to be said. Any help people can give us would be fantastic, I promise you that it's for a good cause.
Please click here to donate (http://www.action.org.uk/sponsor/teamgraysonrally)
Thank you :smiley:
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good luck mate, perhaps anyone in the trade can keep their eyes out for ya, I will of course. :wink:
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As above, good luck!
I spotted a poverty spec Mk2 down the road for me up for sale for £275, it has some tax & test but I can't remember how much....you want me to wander back down and have a poke around it?
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Would be perfect thanks mate.
As said we'll consider anything, a VW would be nice. Probably looking for something around a 1.6 or more powerful. There's quite a bit of driving to do, motorway and mountain roads, so will be needing a little umph!
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As above, good luck!
I spotted a poverty spec Mk2 down the road for me up for sale for £275, it has some tax & test but I can't remember how much....you want me to wander back down and have a poke around it?
if not get the details for me :grin:
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Wish I saw this last week,
Scrapped a Metro & a Vectra, Both had MOT & tax but bodywork was rough.
I buy a lot of cars from main dealers so when im out on my rounds ill keep an eye out for you.
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Thanks Chris, that would be perfect. Long as it runs and we'll be able to MOT them, that would be brilliant :afro:
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Wish I saw this last week,
Scrapped a Metro & a Vectra, Both had MOT & tax but bodywork was rough.
I buy a lot of cars from main dealers so when im out on my rounds ill keep an eye out for you.
:afro: and local to you too nige, sorted
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I'll be out buying on Tuesday,
I get cars from, Toyota, Peugeot, Mazda & Seat so hopefully will be able to find you something
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This would do you
http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/2000-mazda-323f-sport-black/96746788
Owned one of them & they drive really nice
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2 Mondeos went for £290 and £315 at action today inc fee's.
A focus estates went for around 270 all in, im next down there Saturday so if your stuck let me know
being an auction its totally pot luck lol.
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mk3 vr6 one sat outside the W/S (workshop) thats likely going for scrap. drives but needs a few bits to pass a MOT . cv boot and few ball joints. set of frount pads in dire need as well
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Set up a blog to go with this :smiley:
http://teamgraysonmotoscaperally.blogspot.com/
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W/S
?
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Workshop?
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Workshop
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I'm putting together a list of items we'll need to take that are either required by law/essential, and useful to have. Have I missed anything do you think?
Essential * indicates required by law in certain countries
*Hi Vis jacket
*Headlamp beam deflectors
*GB sticker
*First aid kit
*Warning triangle
*Replacement bulb kit
Fire extinguisher
Torch
Basic tools
Useful
Gaffa tape
Cable ties
Rope
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Jump leads :wink:
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WD40 & a Hammer :wink:
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WD40 & a Hammer :wink:
THIS
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Don't forget your breathalyser for France (seriously).
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I ve done one of theses rallies
You might want to
Try make friends with some of the others going
Get cb radios
Buy an estate, (can sleep in back/more room)
Make sure the car has good brakes/vented
Map of ways to go,
Two sat navs
And I remember we have to buy a road tax thingy for a day to pass through a country but can't remember what one. (they cheaper a year on eBay than one the day then sell it on after)
A credit card for fuel (then split the final bill by how many in car at end)
Look/book for fairly good hotels not near the end.
Also will you be driving back in the car?
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I ve done one of theses rallies
You might want to
Try make friends with some of the others going
Get cb radios
Buy an estate, (can sleep in back/more room)
Make sure the car has good brakes/vented
Map of ways to go,
Two wallets one normal cash one with 50euros and driving licence (in case you get a fine)so they see you only got that amount,
Two sat navs
And I remember we have to buy a road tax thingy for a day to pass through a country but can't remember what one. (they cheaper a year on eBay than one the day then sell it on after)
A credit card for fuel (then split the final bill by how many in car at end)
Look/book for fairly good hotels not near the end.
Also will you be driving back in the car?
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Don't forget your breathalyser for France (seriously).
Yeah I read they might be making it the law by July, crazy!
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Two wallets one normal cash one with 50euros and driving licence (in case you get a fine)so they see you only got that amount,
Apparently they escort you to cash machines now!
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Found absolutely tonnes of cheap cars on Gumtree, looks to be the place to bag a bargain!
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Thats where I advertise all my cheaper ones :wink:
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Is that because it's cheap/free to advertise on there?
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Yeah,
Free to advertise on Gumtree,
I normally give my cars a week on there with free advertising & after that pay for Ebay advert.
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Yeah,
Free to advertise on Gumtree,
I normally give my cars a week on there with free advertising & after that pay for Ebay advert.
Definitely keeping my eyes peeled on there for decent cars.
We're loioking for something with manual gearbox, diesel if possible but petrol is better than nothing, if on your travels you find something nice :smiley:
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Will keep an eye out for something for you :wink:
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Got an official sponsorship page today, plus currently in talks with the charity :smiley:
http://www.action.org.uk/sponsor/teamgraysonrally
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Bought this Today,
Owes me £70 more than your budget though
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c339/chris246/85a6241a.jpg)
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What's the model/spec?
Shame, we aren't allowed to go over budget. Trying to come in as low as we possibly can :undecided:
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Not sure of exacy model, But its an Auto, 1/2 leather, 79k with full history, Fully loaded
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What's the model/spec?
Shame, we aren't allowed to go over budget. Trying to come in as low as we possibly can :undecided:
Just lie and get the seller to do a receipt for set amount, couple of teams did this and alone as it wasnt well over budget,
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What's the model/spec?
Shame, we aren't allowed to go over budget. Trying to come in as low as we possibly can :undecided:
Just lie and get the seller to do a receipt for set amount, couple of teams did this and alone as it wasnt well over budget,
This
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can do an inoice for £338 to keep you under budget :evil:
Also bought this Today, Cost less than some people pay for a mk4 GTi
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c339/chris246/IMG_0241.jpg)
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It's very nice, just too rich. We're on a bit of a shoe string budget as I'm also saving up to buy a house, and saving up to move to another rented place soon :sad:
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Very touching story. Very best of luck :afro: just sent a little donation :smiley:
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Very touching story. Very best of luck :afro: just sent a little donation :smiley:
Thank you, you're a true gentleman!
Hopefully the first of many :afro:
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As above mate, I always think I should do more but embarrassingly end up doing nothing. PM me your address, and I'll get a load of Gaffa tape, rope, and cable ties sent up, (can get it all from work :lipsrsealed:) and I'll pay postage.
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Thanks mate, PM sent. You're a gent :afro:
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We've received 4 donations so far, very pleased!! :smiley:
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Even more donations, so happy. Might not sound like much but we're up to 1% of our total now!! :smiley:
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Guys, can I ask you all to take a few seconds to visit and 'like' our Facebook page for the rally? The more likes we get the more cash we're likely to raise for charity :smiley:
www.facebook.com/teamgraysonrally
Thanking you!
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.
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I got an e-mail from the event organiser for Action Medical Research (http://www.action.org.uk/), asking if I want to take part in a 100m race for charity. Catch is it's at the Olympic Stadium, on the real 100m track they'll be using during the Olympics!
OMG!
Can't make it though, so gutted :sad:
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Just a wee update. We've book and paid for all our hotel's for the trip, along with the ferry there and back. We're out and about Saturday at a few garages to see what cars are about, seen one or two really nice ones! Including an A4 with LPG conversion, could be sweet!
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http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=227347.0
Our car is now purchased!
We also hit 2% of our fund raising target today, so pleased :afro:
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I'm over the moon to announce that today we received a £500 donation!! A huge thanks to the company Autoglass!
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I'm over the moon to announce that today we received a £500 donation!! A huge thanks to the company Autoglass!
Sweet!!
Shame they forgot the windscreen :grin: :grin:
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I'm over the moon to announce that today we received a £500 donation!! A huge thanks to the company Autoglass!
that was good of them mate :smiley:
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Last night we hit the 100 mark for likes on our Facebook page! It's bagged us a $50 donation from the US! Next up is trying to hit 200 likes!
Please pop over and like the page too!
http://www.facebook.com/teamgraysonrally
:smiley:
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http://www.facebook.com/teamgraysonrally
Guys, please pop along and "like" the page, show your support :smiley:
Almost forgot, to everyone that has joined the page, a million thank you's :afro:
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Hey guys! We've reached 10% of our total so far which is brilliant, we still need a lot more though.
Please dig deep into your pockets and head over to the below link to make a donation. Every quid helps, and we get 25% back off the government as gift aid :afro:
Action is also the forum charity for 2012 :cool:
http://www.action.org.uk/sponsor/teamgraysonrally
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When the page gets to 250 likes, I'll put in £250
On my word
How does that sound?
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When the page gets to 250 likes, I'll put in £250
On my word
How does that sound?
:cool:
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When the page gets to 250 likes, I'll put in £250
On my word
How does that sound?
Sounds brilliant! We'll have to get working on more likes! :afro:
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liked!
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When the page gets to 250 likes, I'll put in £250
On my word
How does that sound?
Sounds brilliant! We'll have to get working on more likes! :afro:
Groovy, Done deal. Hard to believe looking at me now but i was once a 6 week premature bubba, Had various things wrong with me but luckily nothing as serious as the poor wee man.
So which of the fellow business owners on here will match with me? According to posts people make theres at least 987 millionaires in the MK6 section alone...... Calling you out feckers, match me! (Or double it! im neh fussed!)
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Nice offer Jord :afro:
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Hey Jack, every donation makes a difference :wink:
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helping to spread the word... https://www.facebook.com/TONAValeting (https://www.facebook.com/TONAValeting)
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helping to spread the word... https://www.facebook.com/TONAValeting (https://www.facebook.com/TONAValeting)
+1 :smiley:
www.facebook.com/KineticTuning
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I can't really think of any words. Thanks guys :smiley:
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Come on guys, so close to 250 likes! :afro:
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Pleased to announce a very special milestone :afro:
(http://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/582032_440172519337823_839010824_n.jpg)
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Sweet!! :cool:
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DOne! Gift aids pretty cool too eh?
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Jord, we really can't thank you enough, you're a top guy. Jo who works for Action Medical Research asked to pass her thanks on to you as well once we hit the target.
:afro:
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Preparations are coming along nicely! The car is ready, just needs loading up and she's all over it. Insurance, MOT, hotels, breakdown cover all sorted. Route planned, sat nav borrowed.
Submitted a photo and story to loads of newspapers today too. Two have come back to say they'd like to feature us :afro:
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Very chuffed, got 3 other papers in the pipeline as well fingers crossed :afro:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/574466_456316834390058_225187933_n.jpg)
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Good to see the sponsorship money building nicely! :afro:
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We're going to be on the radio next week, BBC Radio Stoke :cool:
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Tune is this Tuesday coming at 12:10pm!! :smiley:
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Radio interview went really well, go to our Facebook page for the link to listen to it!
Only 3 sleeps until the rally now, all prepared just need to set off! :afro:
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Hey guys, not long now the rally starts this Saturday!
Please take the time to pop over to the Action site and donate. We'd love to get up to £4,000 by the weekend!
http://www.action.org.uk/sponsor/teamgraysonrally
:smiley:
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1 sleep!!
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At Dover waiting to board the ferry, very exciting :cool:
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wish it was me :grin: goodluck an enjoy your road trip
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We met up with everyone in St Omer last night, went to the Queen Victoria for a few pints and nice chat with everyone.
Today was a 7:45am start. We drove through France and hit Belgium. Then we took a detour into Luxembourg for lunch, absolutely beautiful city, we really enjoyed it there. Then we headed on to Germany and the Nurburgring. Shock horror, they had just closed the track, a Golf went off pretty badly! They said at least 45 minutes to get the track re-opened so we gave up and went to the hotel instead.
Tonight is the Beer & Wine Festival in Koblenz, should be a good laugh :afro: