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All systems go for Monte Carlo
INTREPID Pamela Shimwell-Mayo is counting down the days to the start of her Monte Carlo or Bust drive to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
Mrs Shimwell-Mayo, chairman of the Parkinson's Disease Society in the Isle of Man is hoping to raise as much as she can from the amazing 'trip of a lifetime.'
She is preparing to climb into her 2003 green Jaguar XK8 Convertible to drive through England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and down to Monte Carlo, Monaco.
With her husband Colonel John Mayo acting as navigator in the passenger seat, the grandmother aims to reach Monte Carlo in just four days.
Since we first revealed details of the drive more than 8,000 in donations has flooded in along with messages of goodwill.
Mrs Shimwell-Mayo said there had been replies from as far as the USA and Canada.
'People have been very generous and supportive. There have been some lovely letters,' said Mrs Shimwell-Mayo.
She has ensured her car has been serviced and kept under wraps ready for the trip which starts when actress Susan Hampshire drops the chequered flag at a private motor musem near Guildford in Surrey on Sunday September 12.
'I don't have satnav but I do have a good navigator. We have also been poring over our Michelin maps,' said Mrs Shimwell-Mayo.
Instead she is hoping businesses - and individuals - might feel they can help the charity, which is deep to her heart, by donating to the valuable work it does.
She said: 'One of the conditions of this experience is to guarantee that those taking part raise funds for their chosen charity. As chairman of the Parkinson's Disease Society Isle of Man this is the obvious charity for me.
'My late husband Derrick Shimwell, suffered from Parkinson's for nearly 30 years and since his death in 1992 I have devoted my life to helping sufferers and their carers in the Isle of Man to overcome the challenges and make life more comfortable.
'I guarantee that any monies raised will remain in the Isle of Man to help Parkinson's patients.'
There are up to 500 people with Parkinson's Disease in the Island.
Mrs Shimwell-Mayo of Ballamoar Castle, Sandygate, Jurby, is ensuring her car - number 27 in the rally - will advertise the Isle of Man charity on the bodywork.
Other vehicles taking part in the event include three James Bond-style Aston Martins, a Mazerati, a number of Porches and a Bentley Continental. People from all over the British Isles are taking part.
Legendary commentator Murray Walker will be waving the chequered flag at the finish at the Riviera resort. All in all they will be driving around 300 to 350 kilometres every day.
The fundraisers will stay two nights in the Riviera resort and it is hoped they will meet Prince Albert, current ruler of the Principality and son of American actress Grace Kelly.
Donations can be sent to : Parkinson's Disease Isle of Man, c/o Olivia McKenzie, Treasurer, 1 Mount View Road, Onchan. Anyone interested in more details about the charity can contact Mrs Shimwell-Mayo on 897504 or Welfare Secretary Diana Collister on 833055.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
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Temperature: 3 C to 5 C
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