With the 2017 18-day, 4000-mile ‘Jaguar XK Club Round Britain Coastal Tour, supporting Prostate Cancer UK’ completed, the 100+ classic XKs involved and their crews can now take a rest and reflect on a very successful event.
The main aim of this unique event was to raise funds and awareness of this cancer which kills a man in the UK every 45 minutes. The fund-raising target was £50,000 and this has now been exceeded.
Thanks must go to SNG Barratt Group who kindly provided mechanical support to the XKs en route. Jaguar Land Rover loaned a splendid Land Rover Discovery as a backup vehicle and the following offered their support over the 18-day trip: J.D Classics, ClassicFabs, Twyford Moors, CKL Developments, The Gomer Press, Ben Nevis Distillery and the National Motor Museum, where it all started on 12th June.
Author Philip Porter, who had the idea for the Round Britain Coastal Drive having recovered from prostate cancer due to catching it early and acting promptly, states:
With this unique event, everyone wins. The publicity helps to raise awareness which is so vital. The funds go towards crucial research and treatment. And we have a lot of fun using the classic Jaguar XKs we are fortunate to own and we enjoy the stunning, and ever-changing, British coastal landscape.
Run for the first time last September by the sister Jaguar E-type Club, the event raised £64,000 and the Club has just learned that some of those funds helped a man, who had just months to live, have an experimental new treatment and is now recovering.
In 1948 Jaguar unleashed the stunning XK 120 sports car. Cherished by Hollywood stars and racing drivers alike, it helped launch the careers of Stirling Moss and future World Champion, Phil Hill. Officially the fastest production car in the world, the XK led Britain’s post-war ‘export or die’ campaign, earning vital dollars, siring five Le Mans winners and triumphing in international rallies.
Note: Press release courtesy of Jaguar XK Club.
