£32k raised in four trips

Bakewell's Rick Naylor and his sister Gill Ward at Land's End. Photo contributed.

This year, Rick Naylor and Gill Ward raised almost £5,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust when they took to the road last month completing the 874-mile journey in one day.

The epic end-to-end drive took the pair of pensioners 15 hours and 20 minutes, their personal best, after setting off from the Scottish Highlands in a 1969 MGC GT at 4am.

Previous sponsored road trips in 2008, 2010 and 2012, have been dedicated to different causes, including Bakewell Parish Church’s roof appeal.

Rick, 66, of Castle Mount Crescent, said: “One of the main high spots of this year’s run was when we were stuck in a queue for roadworks somewhere in Scotland, and the lady in the car behind saw the stickers we had on the car and gave us £20 for the MS Trust. There are some very kind-hearted people out there.”

Despite several wrong turnings near Penzance, they reached the finishing line on the Cornish coast at 7.20pm, celebrating with a dram of whiskey.

The siblings chose the MS Trust in support of Gill’s daughter-in-law Helen, who was diagnosed with the incurable condition in her 20s.

Rick said he thought it would be their last attempt at the challenge but added: “Never say never!” To make a donation, contact him on 01629 812457. All money raised goes directly to the charity, as the duo paid for the petrol and accommodation required in their 2,000-mile round trip.