On 26 April we set off to drive from Panama to Alaska in our 1955 Jaguar XK140. On 27 June we crossed the finishing line in Anchorage - spot on the scheduled time and with a great sense of relief.
Driving nearly 12,000 miles through nine countries - all of the time with the hood down - has enabled us to gain some powerful impressions of the Central and North American continent in a way which our normal more comfortable style of tourism wouldn't provide. Over the nine week period we've changed from miles to kilometres and from litres to US gallons several times, we've paid in Lempiras, Cordobas, Colons,Quetzals, Pesos and four types of Dollar - and we've slept in 43 different beds! We hope reports of our progress on www.globalrally.org.uk have offered some entertainment value to our friends. Doubts about Stuart’s car maintenance capability have proved largely well-founded, but he's learnt a lot along the way. The fact that three of the sixteen starters sadly didn't make it to the finishing line showed that this was a severe test for the cars and for their driver and navigator teams
We’ve made this journey for our own pleasure and experience, but it has been a challenging venture - with not just a 53 year old car coming under strain! We've therefore been pleased to use the rally as a means of raising money for a charity to which we're both committed - the Home Farm Trust.
We can all be moved by the tragedies of children affected by learning disabilities such as Down’s syndrome, autism and challenging behaviour, but their support is a life-long need - both for for them and for their families. HFT takes on the responsibility for caring for adults with these disabilities by providing homes all over the country. It isn’t a high profile or glamorous charity, but Angela has been involved with it for many years, and Stuart has now become a Patron.
Funds are always needed, and we hope that as you smile about our Panama to Alaska venture you’ll feel able to help HFT to meet what sadly is a rapidly increasing demand for this kind of care and support.
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We wouldn't blame you if at the last moment you switched those wooden seats for something more comfortable :-) Donation by Brian and Anna Thomas on 11/09/08 |
£15.00 |
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Congratulations! We enjoyed the pictures Donation by Christopher & Tineke on 08/08/08 |
£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid |
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Many congratulations Donation by David Harris on 25/07/08 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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A wonderful achievement Donation by Jane & Glyn on 24/07/08 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Reading the daily progress reports and the vairious blogs became quite addictive Donation by Ian & Susan Hampson on 23/07/08 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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Congratulations and what an experience! Donation by Nick Oakley on 15/07/08 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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read every word about the trip. I real accomplishment. Congratulations Donation by Virginia Mattern on 14/07/08 |
£100.00 |
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Well done, and no US speeding tickets! Donation by Greg & Nancy Wolcott on 14/07/08 |
£25.00 |
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Congratulations and we look forward to tales of wonder on Wednesday Donation by Laura Chapman on 14/07/08 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Pampeter on 12/07/08 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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Congratulations and well done for raising so much for such an excellent charity. Donation by Nicholas Aylwin on 11/07/08 |
£116.04 + £32.73 Gift Aid |
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Congratulations and well done Donation by Terry Leahy on 11/07/08 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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Congratulations to you all. I hope the seats have recovered. e are looking forward to hearing some Donation by Ian & Angie on 10/07/08 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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What a fantastic journey. Glad you are home in tact and ready for the next challenge! Donation by Jane Errington on 09/07/08 |
£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid |
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Well done, We were with you all the way. Enjoyed the blogs,see you soon. Donation by Mike Oliver on 08/07/08 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Congratulations to all 3 of you on your amazing achievement Donation by David and Joanie Roy on 07/07/08 |
£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid |
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Glad Jaguar driver and navigator back safely, followed the progress of the Aston! Donation by Peter & Ruth on 07/07/08 |
£35.00 + £9.87 Gift Aid |
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Congratulations to the three old-timers - I'm very envious! Donation by John Heller on 07/07/08 |
£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid |
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Congratulations to the poor old car!! They don't build 'em like they used to! Donation by Sandra and Stuart Lee on 07/07/08 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Well done - it must have been a great experience! Donation by Neil Cross on 06/07/08 |
£250.00 + £70.51 Gift Aid |
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How fantastic and done with drivers older than the car. We look forward to hearing all about it Donation by Brian and Rosemary on 06/07/08 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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What an excellent trip! You won't want to drive when you get back (when you see the price of fuel) Donation by Neil Morgan on 06/07/08 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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It was a big challenge which you have met extremely well. Congratulations! Donation by John and Lynne on 05/07/08 |
£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid |
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A very brave and bold adventure, congratulations Donation by Andrew and Maureen on 05/07/08 |
£150.00 + £42.31 Gift Aid |
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Congratulations! Blogs were so good we were actually with you! Donation by John and Sarah on 05/07/08 |
£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid |
| * Total raised online: | £5,701.04 |
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| Offline donations: | £10,570.00 |
| Mobile donations: | £0.00 |
| Total Raised: | £16,271.04 |
| Gift Aid plus supplement: | £1,265.29 |
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Find out
how much it is and what we do for it.