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Teams of Veterans travelling from Dover to Gibraltar in a banger - what could possibly go wrong?!

The Veterans Banger Rally (VBR) is the brainchild of, in his words, “…an old sweaty sailor…”, and over the course of a week, “The Professors” will be taking part in a race taking us from Dover to Gibraltar along with other teams, all of which will comprise of current or ex service men and women. A madcap idea of fun and adventure to raise money for charity. 

We are self-funding the event with £100 raised from all teams going to the Blind Veterans UK charity, however we are also able to raise funds for any other charity.  As a result, we chose to support our Regional SSAFA (West Midlands).  Having all grown up in the West Midlands it was important to us to be able to support those that need it within our local area specifically, so they see the direct benefit of our adventures.

Please join us in raising vital funds to support serving men and women, veterans and families who will call on SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity for help in time of need.

Since 1885, thanks to the public's support, SSAFA continues to provide welfare and wellbeing assistance tailored to our Armed Forces community. They know and understand the unique demands of service life, whether in the UK or overseas, and in times of need, they help to enable the Forces family to thrive.

Who are "The Professors"?

Lee

I joined the Royal Navy on Sept 4th 1989 as a Marine Engineering Artificer Apprentice. 

On the first morning when I woke, a great big hairy oaf lumbered out of the bed next to mine, gave a massive stretch and turned to me and said to me in a Brummie accent, ‘yow alright mate’!  And yes, 34 years later, he’s the other fella in our team!!!!!

I spent my time on Type 42 Destroyers out of Portsmouth. 

Most of my deployments were to the Persian Gulf during the 90s, because it was just that time of life. 

It was hot, damn hot, too hot!! Time down the engine spaces was limited to 15 minutes at a time or there was real risk. 

I have used this as an excuse to this day to explain to people why I don’t sweat……think about it !!!!!!

When I went civvy side I followed the engineering route and am now an operations and engineering manager for a global water pump business. 

Outside of work and family my big passion is bikes, motor bikes, big motor bikes !

After years and sports bikes and doing track days, I finally grew up and settled in the world of Harley Davidson. I currently ride a Street Glide Special called Patsy, because she is Absolutely Fabulous!

I started to ride with the Birmingham HOG Chapter a few years ago and am now their Assistant Director. It all about riding, brotherhood and beer. In June we are riding to Budapest for a few days of parting to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Harley  That should be quite an adventure!!!

Second to that are my guitars. They hang beautifully on my office wall and when the wife is out, Im allowed to play them!!

Over the years I have taken part in a few different events to raise money for the British Legion and SSAFFA. The one I enjoyed most and did a few times was the Exmoor 30:30 with the Regiment lads and Paras. 30 miles with 30lbs on your back over Exmoor. Not bad for an old Matelot!

So this here Banger Rally came to my attention in its first year and I registered but due to Covid and then other obstacles, I've not managed to get stuck in yet. This year is different. With some new team members to invigorate the way, we are off back to Gibraltar, somewhere that I knew very well many, many years ago.  

I have two main drivers to make we want to complete this huge challenge. 

1-to help raise money for blind veterans and SSAFA. 

2-to get a JC and a pint in the Donkey's Flipflop. 

Brown out. 

Fleur

Loves wine, and cheese.  Also, likes to travel to find wine and cheese, and would like to travel more with her two dogs, who also like cheese!  No forces experience apart from being married to an ex-forces, who also likes wine and cheese.  Not sure what the common thread is here?!

Steve

I joined the Royal Navy on 4th Sept 1989 as an Artificer Apprentice, waking on the first morning I was introduced to a guy who over many years has remained a great friend.  Here we are 34 years later, still doing stupid stuff!

I had a varied time in the RN, Mediterranean cruises, Drunken WIGS deployments, South Atlantic Patrols, dark places in Africa and exotic visits to the Far East!

Towards the end of my time in the RN I was actually thought responsible enough to teach marine engineers, both old and new, this was of course in between the weekly shout of ‘Winners table’ at the Senior Rates meat raffle.  As an office we did seem to clean up most weeks!

When leaving the RN, I didn’t really know what else to do, so I did the sensible thing and went back to sea. Which is where I’ve been for the last 10 years. Still doing a similar job, on much smaller ships, but with far better living conditions.

I ran for charity a few times when I was still in the RN, so running a car on an epic trek across Europe should be just about ok with my knees now.

Looking forward to returning to Gib, and introducing Michelle to the delights of JC’s, the Flip-flop and a Rock run! On second thoughts, the JC's were pretty gash the last time I was there.

Here’s to raising money for our worthwhile charities.

1. SSAFA - Western Area

2. Blind Veterans                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Michelle

I’d love to be as witty as the rest of the team, but I’m really not, so I’ll keep it short!

Having joined Policing in 1996, I’ve been involved in all crime types, it’s fair to say it was a little different then to now, and I’m very glad I joined pre-mobile phones!  Only 3 years left to complete my 30 years service, and it’s certainly come round quickly.

In my policing role, I am now one of the Directors of the West Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre, helping other organisations become safer from cyber crime - it’s been an interesting learning curve!

I love sports and regularly go to the gym and play netball, I captain the gym netball team, and play for a second team too - all to help counteract the red wine, gin and chocolate of course!

When Steve and I were asked to be a part of the team there was no way I was going to pass up the chance for an adventure, visit all the places in Gib I’ve heard tales of, but more importantly fundraise for some great charities.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for giving your contribution to the charity, it really will make a difference to people's lives.