A four-day road trip across Europe has raised more than £50,000 to be split between two charities, We Mind and Kelly Matters, which specialises in helping people with mental health issues, and Leicestershire charity, Prostaid, which helps prostate cancer sufferers.
42 teams took part in the rally, which involved driving a vehicle worth no more than £500, travelling 2,500 miles through nine countries, including overnight stops in Pfullendorf, Venice and Stuttgart.
We Mind and Kelly Matters was founded in 2019 after the devastating loss of Kelly Hewitt who, in December 2018, aged just 24 and after a short battle with anxiety and depression, took her own life. Kelly’s parents and sister decided to set up the charity to raise vital funds for mental health and bereavement charities, so that anyone affected by suicide would receive help and support.
Representing the charity at the rally were Kelly’s mum, Rachael Hewitt, and sister Amy Hewitt, as well as family friends Kerry York and Amy Green, who affectionately named their team, the Pinky Blinders.
Rachael said:
“It was a fantastic experience travelling through Europe and I would like to thank the Rust Bucket Rally Team for organising the trip and raising funds and awareness of our charity. We would also like to thank Finch Signs in Raunds who did an amazing job wrapping our car.”
The Rust Bucket Rally returned this year after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Amy said:
“It was an incredible four-day road trip. The team at the Rust Bucket Rally have helped raise so much money for both charities which has been fantastic. The money will be crucial in helping people receive the care and treatment they desperately need.”
A JustGiving page is still active, and there is still time to donate by visiting: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wemindkellymattersrbr
For further information visit www.wemindandkellymatters.org.uk
