Lionel’s heroic road trip – and all in a good cause

Keen motorist and James Bond fan Lionel Body decided to combine both interests with a near 2,000-mile trip across Europe – raising more than £600 for Age UK Norwich at the same time.

But even he didn’t expect the adventure that lay ahead after first deciding to set off on the Fireball Rally Challenge James Bond Swiss Run taking in iconic Bond locations from movies such as On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Lionel originally planned to make the four-day trip with his two grown up sons Mark and Neil. But when they were no longer able to go, and a friend also had to pull out, he faced having to abandon the road trip completely – until wife Christel stepped in to fill the breach and make sure there were two people travelling together.

The couple, from Finch Close, Heartsease, had previously driven along Route 66 so were no strangers to driving long distances. But this time would be different. First off, they were taking Lionel’s 13-year-old Chrysler 300, which meant Lionel would have to do all the 500 mile a day driving; secondly they would have to swap US hotels for camping each evening; and thirdly neither of them spoke any foreign languages.

Undeterred they headed off as part of a group of 20 cars and 45 motoring and James Bond movie enthusiasts to travel making friends with their fellow motoring enthusiasts along the way.

And they have raised £621.10 to support our work at Age UK Norwich.

“We wanted to raise money for Age UK Norwich because none of us are getting any younger, and Christel was a volunteer in one of the shops,” Lionel said. “I still sit and watch James Bond movies. I think Daniel Craig is good, but I still prefer the original two.”

Dan Skipper, Age UK Norwich chief executive, who received the cheque from the couple, said: “It’s always great to hear about people’s fundraising adventures, and we’re really grateful to people like Lionel and Christel for the support they can give.”

If you would like to raise funds for Age UK Norwich then why not get in touch? Click on the fundraising tab of our website to see what kinds of things you can do.