Mini drivers going on a big adventure
Five friends are going on a big adventure – inspired by the kindness of nursing staff and the 50th anniversary of a classic comedy caper.
Businessman David Cassidy, from Acton Trussell, near Stafford, wanted to give something back to staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, where his father-in-law Peter Garnett, 80, received chemotherapy treatment.
So he drew inspiration from one of his favourite films, the original 1969 version of The Italian Job, and bought three second-hand Minis for a trip to Turkey.
The cars, one painted red, one white and one blue, all with Union Jacks on the roof, will depart from Cannock, where most of them live, on May 1 for the five-day journey to Turkey, where Mr Cassidy has a villa. There they will rest before embarking on the return journey.
In the run-up to their departure, the five friends – also going are Gareth Rose, Darren Lee, Antony Baker and Hugh Lloyd – have been busy raising money and publicity for their charity jaunt.
On Thursday they were at Morrisons in Cannock, where the blue Mini attracted lots of attention and donations.
Mr Cassidy, 46, said: "The staff on Ward 621, where my father-on-law was treated, were always so friendly and upbeat, I wanted to give something back.
"The Italian Job is one of my favourite films and it's also the 60th anniversary of the Mini so it all fitted in. We've had to do quite a bit of work on the cars and they're ready to go now – but I've taken out AA European cover just in case."
The five aim to raise £5,000 for the QE Hospital and a further £2,000 for the Turkey Race For Life charity.
People can track their progress on Facebook, on their 3 Minis Go To Turkey page.
