This years Legendary Grand Tour will be special because of our World Record Attempt and you should keep an eye on our forum for the latest news. But for a small group of mini owners there is another reason why this years Grand Tour will be extra special and it has to do will a little girl called Amelia Price. This letter was taken from Mini Mag. As was the picture.

"I am writing to you to ask a favour. I was wondering if you could print a picture of my daughter next to her favourite Mini. Amelia and her brother Jacob have both been big fans of Minis since they were small.

Last year Amelia was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Neuroblastoma. She went through a lot of treatment and was told that she was clear in June this year, but unfortunately she relapsed in September. The problem when they relapse with Neuroblastoma is that there is no actual cure but we are trying to do whatever we can and refuse to give up.

Earlier this year I got myself a Mini and decided to take the kids to some shows, we went to Bristol Mini day where Amelia saw this pink mini. We also took part in the North Devon Grand Tour, where the kids had the time of their life and we promised them we would do it again next year. I hope you can print the picture as it would be nice for her to see herself in Mini magazine."

Sadly earlier this year Amelia died and Linda & I were honoured to be one of the 14 minis that escorted Amelia from the Church to the crematorium. Amelia never went to the Children's Hospice SW but she was like so many of the Children who do. The Children seem to have a strength that helps carry their loved ones through their illness. Amelia favourite colour was pink and her white horse drawn carriage was covered in pink flowers. So this year we are going to add another ribbon to our aerials and that is a pink one. The ribbon will not just be for Amelia but also for the 17 other children who will no longer be returning to the CHSW this year.

You can find out more about Amelia and Neuroblastoma at www.ameliaprice.com

On our short visit to Little Bridge House we see the Children and everyone else, waving and smiling and it is easy to forget, even with all the magic that Little Bridge House has, that it is still a place where, no matter how hard you try, you cannot hug and kiss someone better. It is also a place where get well cards do not work. But we should also remember that the CHSW is a place that is so full of life and we have been privileged, because for one day we are part of theirs and we can make them smile and we do help make their day a perfect day.

I hope this year we will break 2 records one being for the Guinness Book of records and the other for how much money the Grand Tour raises over the weekend. So please don't leave it for the mini in front to collect the money. Do it yourself. This year we are going to make a real difference to someones short and precious life.

PS When it comes to the Guinness World Record I think the best part about it is the attempt. If we fail we have always got next year and lets face it, we have already had 10 years of practice and that's been fun.

Terry

The only way you can get an invition for the Grand Tour is to e-mail me through this page. I get a bit fed up scribbling down names and addresses on bits of paper. I get even more fed up when I can not read my own writing.

If you would like to help with the motorcycle marshalling, same process applies! Contact me using the link below.

Contact Terry