News
European Car Rally fundraiser to take place for five-year-old Grace, who has severe disabilities
02 Aug 2024
Two men are taking on a European car rally through nine countries, dressed as lifeguards in a car bought for £650 to help raise funds for a Colchester girl with a rare genetic condition.
John Everett, 42, a vehicle body repairer who lives in Lee-on-Sea, Essex and Rich Lessemun, 46, an HGV driver who lives in Boxford, Suffolk, met at a Classic VW car club and are taking part in the Two Ball Banger Rally through nine countries in four days, starting in France on Friday August 14.
There are few rules, but the car must have been bought for less than £789 and fancy dress is obligatory. The two men have chosen a Baywatch theme and plan to compete dressed as lifeguards.
‘The race is a bit of fun, it’s not about the time taken but there are points and prizes given for things like the best fancy dress, winning the evening pub quiz etcetera. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for ages and when I heard Rich was up for it too, we thought we’d sort it out and hopefully raise some money in the process.’
‘We’re pretty pleased with how the car looks – decorated with stickers, life buoys and more, and we’re going to be dressed as lifeguards, in spite of not exactly have lifeguard physiques!’
‘We figured it would be good to raise some money as well as enjoying the race. I’ve met Grace and her family at a Hope for Grace football event, and was keen to fundraise for a specific person rather than for a huge charity. Our fundraising campaign is called Race 4 Grace. People have already been extremely generous but we are hoping to raise as much as possible for her.’
Taking part in the rally
The itinerary for the European Race, taking place form 14th August
Grace's story and the need for fundraising
Grace Beverton, 6, from Colchester start having severe seizures in 2018 aged five and a half months. Following several frightening hospital admissions and a barrage of tests, she was finally diagnosed with a mutation of the gene RHOBTB2 (x.1448G>A) following consultation with a genetics specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Grace is one of only 38 people diagnosed with the condition around the world, possibly only the third in the UK.
Her family and supporters fundraise constantly to fund therapies and equipment which are not available on the NHS. Grace cannot walk or talk, and as there are so few cases like Grace’s it is difficult to know how she will develop.
Grace's current fundraising needs
The current aim is to find specialised and intensive physiotherapy sessions to help Grace sit unaided. Longer term goals might include milestones such as bearing weight on her legs or even standing and walking. There is also likely to be specialised equipment needed, as well as possible adaptations to the family home.
Tree of Hope Charity Support
Grace’s family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope which helps families fundraise for children like Grace with healthcare needs where the NHS cannot and provides charity status to benefit from gift aid, corporate support while also providing donor reassurance.
‘This sounds like a fantastic event and we wish John and Rich all the best both with the race and with their fundraising! Tree of Hope are here to support however we can.’
CEO
Support for Colchester 5-year-old and her fundraisers
For more information about the Two Ball Banger Rally, visit The Two Ball Banger Rally
To see some of the preparation for the race and follow the two men on their journey, visit Facebook
To sponsor John and Rich or to donate to Grace’s fund, visit
Tree of Hope
