A charity event is planned to mark the Isle of Man leg of an epic journey around the British Isles.
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Morris Minor Owners Club has arranged for a standard specification 1962 Morris Minor four door saloon to travel from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Instead of using the most direct route, the car, driven by Bruce Kelsey, will criss-cross Britain in an attempt to visit every branch of the MMOC and several locations with links to the history of the car and the club.
The journey of more than 3,000 miles is expected to take up to five weeks with events being held at each of the 75 planned stops to raise money for charity. The car travels to the Island on 4th September, with transport costs supported by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and Wades Truck Services.
On the day the car arrives in Douglas, the Isle of Man branch of the club will host an event in the B&Q car park on Spring Valley Industrial Estate. Starting at 10am, it will feature several locally owned Morris Minors from between 1949 and 1971, with the marathon car due to arrive shortly after 2pm. There will be collections for Marie Curie, which is being supported by the MMOC charity marathon, and Hospice Isle of Man, which will have representatives at the event.
Bernie Wade from the Isle of Man branch of the MMOC said: ‘We’re really pleased the Island could be included in this historic journey and hope we’ll have a good turnout to greet Bruce. It’ll not only be a great opportunity to see a wonderful display of cars and chat to the owners, but also a chance to support very worthwhile charities.
‘We’re very grateful to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for its support, as well as to B&Q for its help in putting on the event.’
Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We look forward to welcoming Bruce and the visiting car to the Isle of Man and hope the local branch’s event enjoys a good turnout and raises plenty of money for two very deserving causes.’
Photograph: Bruce Kelsey with the Morris Minor which will visit the Isle of Man on 4th September with Steam Packet Company support
