Fran Bridgewater and Tina Cooper
Racy Blondes Roar to Victory in Epic Charity Wine Dash for The Beaujolais Run® 2023 🏁🍷
Fundraising for The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund
Story
The unmistakable roar of engines and the clink of glasses echoed across the finish line as Team Racy Blondes clinched the crown in this year's Charity Wine Dash, conquering The Beaujolais Run® GT2 🏁🏆🍷🍷
Racing to Glory
The champions of the GT2 class kicked off their epic journey from RAF Brize Norton on Monday 13th November, navigating through Autumn-tinted French landscapes and returning triumphantly to Windsor Castle just in time for the Christmas lights extravaganza.
The objective? To bring back to Blighty the much-coveted Yannick de Vermont Beaujolais Nouveau 2023, the very nectar that graced the gala dinner of the Mayor of Beaujolais on Saturday 18th November.
On first taste, this year’s Beaujolais Cru is described by wine judge Fran as 'a veritable black fruit bombshell with inky depth, subtle spice, and lifted herbal freshness on the finish.'
52 Years of Charity Thrills
Now in its 52nd year, this charity wine dash unleashed an eclectic crew of contenders, from roaring Ferraris and sleek Aston Martins to nimble Porsches and even the trusty Ford Transit, all scurrying to lay claim to the very first bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund.
For an in-depth look at the escapade, check out the full feature in the Maidenhead Advertiser.
Sipping Success
Indulge in the exquisite Beaujolais Cru 2023 by the pioneering winemaker Yannick de Vermont of Château de Vaux. Explore the full range at Les Vins Yannick de Vermont.
The winners were each awarded the much-coveted Champagne Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus Cuvée in a glittering awards ceremony at the exclusive Château de la Marqetterie in Reims.
Fuelling Dreams - Behind the Wheel
For Fran, The Beaujolais Run® has always been on the lifelong bucket list, a dream that started in her early motorsport career with Dorset’s supercar, the Spectre R42. As featured on The Wine Show Australia, listen to Fran's high-octane interviews on Alfred 107.3fm: SoundCloud (from 4'442 onwards) and https://soundcloud.com/thisisalfred/alfred-daily-20th-november (from 4'14 onwards).
Speed and Legacy - Tina's Triumphs
Accomplished racing driver and Jaguar Land Rover engineer, Tina Cooper, showcased her seasoned prowess in The Beaujolais Run® for the third time. A trailblazer since her teens, Tina was the first-ever female to conquer the National Mini 7 Racing Club Championship outright and was awarded the Lord Wakefield Trophy for her 'outstanding contribution to women’s motorsport'.
Navigational Teamwork
The dynamic duo of Tina and Fran, an Essex meets Sussex navigational team, tackled the challenging six-day enduro with speed and accuracy throughout.
Fancy dress? Naturally, it wouldn't be The Beaujolais Run® without. A whole day of driving through the wilds of France in pub-themed attire added a splash of comedy featuring gallant Knights, Cricketers, Admiral Nelson and a Venetian Masquerade - check out the eye-catching outfits below!
Charity Drive - Raising the Stakes
In the true spirit of The Beaujolais Run®, Racy Blondes are continuing to rally support for The RAF Benevolent Fund. Every penny raised, no matter how small, goes directly to the charity.
Please kindly help them reach their team target of £1,350 by donating today.
Staying in the Loop
Follow the team's rollicking adventures and memorable moments online with #racyblondes and visit their dedicated website: www.racyblondes.com
Sending our heartfelt thanks to all our colleagues, friends and family for their kind support and encouragement every step of the way, it has really spurred us on💙
Driven by Charity: The RAF Benevolent Fund
In the world of philanthropy, one organization stands out for its unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Royal Air Force (RAF) community - The RAF Benevolent Fund. This charitable force extends its support not only to serving RAF personnel but also to veterans and their dependants, offering a comprehensive range of services.
Financial Assistance and Beyond
At the heart of their mission is a dedication to alleviating financial difficulties. The Fund provides grants to individuals facing economic challenges, ensuring they can navigate life's twists and turns with resilience. But it doesn't stop there.
Youth Support and Care Services
Recognizing the importance of nurturing the future, the Fund offers support tailored for young people. Whether it's educational opportunities or guidance in navigating the complexities of life, the RAF Benevolent Fund is a beacon of assistance.
A Focus on Morale and Wellbeing
The mental and emotional well-being of RAF personnel, veterans, and Reservists is a priority for the charity. Partnering with Relate, the Fund extends a helping hand through free relationship support and counselling. This initiative not only supports individuals but strengthens the bonds that define the RAF community.
To learn more about the impactful work of The RAF Benevolent Fund and how you can contribute, visit https://www.rafbf.org.
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Deep dive into the thrilling world of The Beaujolais Run®, where adrenaline meets altruism. Past event videos, insightful blogs and captivating image galleries await exploration on the official website. Discover the stories, relive the moments and witness the spirit of charity in motion.
The Beaujolais Run® ... an epic journey with a noble cause at the heart of its mission.