<p>Living in Weardale, there's not much that goes on really, so in 2011 myself and friend John Davis decided to attempt to organise a Charity Rally in aid of a charity. When we told people about this, before we knew it we were setting off on a 2 day charity rally in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance, where we raised nearly &pound;3,000.</p> <p>This years event takes place on the 14th April and will see 12 vehicles and 26 people set off from Stanhope and head on a 2 day trek across some of the most remote roads in the North of England. Each car and its passengers will have a theme, and judging from last year where we had everything from the Mario Brothers through to the Royal Wedding and a Hearse, this years won't disappoint.</p> <p>This year myself and friend, Michael Hogarth, have pulled out the stops, and with the help from Pristine Paintworks in Willington will have a car which will be recognisable to everyone who is a fan of 80's / 90's comedy, I cant say much more than that!! The main rule is that participants must purchase a roadworthy car for less than &pound;500.</p> <p>A little about the charity, taken from <a href="http://www.tabithastoys.co.uk">www.tabithastoys.co.uk</a> and written by Tabithas parents;</p> <p>'Tabitha&rsquo;s Legacy &ndash; Our beautiful daughter Tabitha was born with Edwards Syndrome. Her life expectancy was extremely short, maybe minutes or hours, but never years. Tabitha however, was so much stronger than anyone expected, and even though at times she was very poorly she grew into a beautiful little girl. Having this Syndrome meant that she had severe physical and learning difficulties to such an extent that she was not able to sit, stand, walk or talk.</p> <p>When Tabitha was a year old we borrowed a set of fibre optic lights. Tabitha was so excited and stimulated by these that she made an attempt to get hold of the lights and to push the mirror ball round, we were overjoyed at her reaction and this was just the start of the progress she made.</p> <p>Our very kind friends&rsquo;, colleagues and neighbours raised enough money to make a sensory room for Tabitha, which became an invaluable resource. At first, Tabitha could only look at the pretty lights, but over the next year she would hold and play with the fibre optic strands, use a touch screen computer, and then she amazed everyone by standing up, laughing, clapping and singing with joy.</p> <p>We lived every day with the dreadful realisation, that one day, we would no longer have our beautiful daughter. That tragic day came on the 8th of December 2009 when our angel passed away, but she leaves with us her legacy &ndash; To make sure that we can help other very special children enjoy sensory equipment, make progress, and be happy and comfortable in their own home.'</p> <p>Thank-you for taking the time to read about the charity and the event, Any donations are much appreciated go directly to the charity. All costs are met by the participants.</p> <p>Richard</p>