A CAR rally took a 50-mile route through Essex to support children with disabilities.
The rally was organised by national housebuilder Bellway to help their chosen charity Variety buy a new minibus and specialist equipment.
The company pledged to raise funds for six specially adapted minibuses, known as Sunshine Coaches, for SEND schools in regions where Bellway operates.
The first Sunshine Coach was presented to a school in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, earlier in the year.
Bellway’s regional chairman for the southeast, Ian Gorst, organised the Variety Charity Drive to fund a new Variety Sunshine Coach.
The event raised more than £60,000 through entry fees, sponsorship, and donations, with the proceeds double matched by Bellway.
Ian said: "The partnership with Variety has really captured the hearts of everyone at Bellway.
"When the first Sunshine Coach was delivered, hearing about the impact and seeing the smiles on the children’s faces was inspirational.
"In the south east, we have teams planning all kinds of events to boost fundraising efforts, and it was only right that the senior team should play its part.
"The most effective charity events bring together purpose and passion.
"We wanted to link with the theme of transport with the fact that many of our colleagues, suppliers, and other contacts own classic or modern classic cars.
"The support we received was exceptional, and we are grateful to everyone who took part in the event or donated.
"It was an enjoyable day based around a shared ambition to fund a new Variety Sunshine Coach."
More than 40 drivers took part, travelling from North Weald Airfield in Epping to Nethergate Brewery and Distillery in Long Melford.
The participating cars spanned the decades, from a 1938 Jaguar SS100 to a 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera.
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Lindsey Cape, director of comms and fundraising at Variety, said: "The enthusiasm and commitment we've seen from everyone at Bellway since the partnership began has been incredible.
"We’re incredibly grateful to Ian and everyone at Bellway who made the Variety Charity Drive such a success."
Bellway is building homes across the Essex and wider southeast area, and aims to support communities and charities.
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