Charity bid is bang on

Aug 15 2008 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PITLOCHRY student Kim Brown is one of four university friends who have entered a team in a colourful, four-day rally, which starts in northern France on Thursday before heading south through Spain and Portugal.

Kim (25), who is taking a PhD in biological research at Glasgow University, said the quartet have already raised £1200 towards the cost of Internet-based education projects for children in developing countries.

“One of my friends in Glasgow originally invited me to join a group he had organised,” she explained.

“After that didn’t come off due to study commitments I saw a list of global rallies and thought this one would be good because I wouldn’t need to take a month off.

“Everyone in the team has known each other for ages and we just decided the time was right to do something a bit different.

“It’ll be the first time any of us have done anything like this and I can’t wait.”

The line-up of Kim’s Sucata Run team, which is called Lady Wrasse and the Sea Urchins, is completed by Becky Warren (25), from Kinross, and Jenna Scotcher (24) and Anne Marie Reid (24), both Glasgow.

All fans of the movie Finding Nemo, the ladies decided to paint their car in the popular cartoon character’s distinctive orange and white colours.

“Basically, we need to rattle our way in a junk car from Rouen in Normandy through France and Spain, with the finish line at Cabo da Roca in Portugal, Europe’s most westerly point,” Kim told the PA.

“The rules of the rally are the car must cost less than £250 and we must raise £1000 for Gemin-i.org.

“All the money raised goes straight to the charity, which distinguishes it from other European banger rallies.”

Kim, of Donavourd, by Pitlochry, said she is less concerned about winning the event than ensuring the team have no mishaps..

“We all watch Top Gear but we don’t really know that much about cars,” she said.

“A friend from Dunkeld, Guy Halley of Rapid Tyre Services, has given us a set of four brand new tyres and we’re getting the handbrake cable replaced.

“However, if it does break down it’ll certainly be more of a challenge for us!”

To make a donation to Kim’s team, look up their website www.justgiving.com/ladywrasse