Keyline Builders Merchants, is taking on the challenge of
raising over £100,000 for their charity partner, The Prostate
Cancer Charity this month in an epic rally inspired by the classic
film, The Italian Job.
Twenty Four teams and support vehicles from Keyline, including
colleagues, customers and suppliers, joined by teams from within
the Travis Perkins Group departed Northfleet in Kent yesterday for
a five-day journey through six countries, covering over 1,500
miles. They were joined at the starting line by The Prostate Cancer
Charity's ambassador and celebrity builder, Tommy Walsh.
Negotiating the roads with the use of maps and a sense of
direction, and leading the way in a Mini Cooper will be Keyline
managing director, Andrew Harrison, followed by colleagues in 23
other classic cars. The convoy will navigate its way to Turin
facing various challenges along the journey, arriving at Lingotto
building and lapping the famous rooftop track constructed by
Fiat.
Commenting on the challenge, Andrew Harrison said: "I'm
absolutely delighted that so many customers, colleagues and
suppliers are supporting our charity partner, The Prostate Cancer
Charity who have become very close to all our hearts. Last year we
raised over £70,000 for the Charity when our annual Rally saw us
drive to Monte Carlo, this year we aim to achieve over £100,000
target for the Italian Job Rally."
Speaking at the start of the Italian Job Rally at Keyline in
Northfleet, Kent, celebrity builder and TV presenter Tommy Walsh,
said: "I think this is an amazing idea. To make this classic,
iconic road trip about raising awareness of prostate cancer and
much needed funds for The Prostate Cancer Charity is
brilliant.
"Getting men to think about their health is never easy but
focusing on their love of cars may be just the way to do it.
"On behalf of The Prostate Cancer Charity I would like to thank
everyone at Keyline, Keyline's customers and all those involved in
the Italian Job rally for their support. We know that the money
raised will make an enormous difference to the 250,000 men in the
UK currently living with prostate cancer and I hope that all the
teams have great fun and a safe journey to Turin and back."
Last month, Keyline scooped a National Business Charity award for
its partnership with The Prostate Cancer Charity. Since November
2009, through multiple fundraising initiatives throughout the
Keyline network including a nationwide 'Movember' campaign. Since
November 2009, the company; its staff, customers and suppliers have
now raised in excess of £200,000.
Mark Bishop, Director of Fundraising at The Prostate Cancer
Charity said: "The commitment by Keyline to raise over £100,000
through the Italian Job Charity Rally, and raise awareness of the
most common cancer in men as they make their way across in Europe
is magnificent, or should I say magnifico! Their support for the
Charity has been amazing and the Italian Job is proof of how,
literally, they are willing to go the extra mile when it comes to
helping us fight prostate cancer."