Specialist insurance broker Footman James has announced the winner of a recent competition.
John Thomas, from Llanelli in South Wales won free entry into the recent London to Brighton Run; the prize also included overnight accommodation, parking, dinner as well as a host of commemorative goodies.
The event, which took place on Sunday 31 May, was the first year that Footman James had sponsored it; the company has also confirmed it will be sponsoring the 2016 event.
The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run has been taking place every November since 1927, commemorating the Emancipation Run of 14 November 1896 which celebrated the passing into law of the Locomotives on the Highway Act – which raised the speed limit for ‘light locomotives’ from 4mph to a heady 14mph and abolished the requirement for these vehicles to be preceded by ‘a man on foot’.
The London to Brighton Classic Car Run commenced in 1988 and is now organised by GE Classic Motor Events and gives owners of vintage and classic cars the chance to take part in their own run on a usually warmer day complete with a self-guided scenic tour to Brighton which changes each year and attracts many regulars. The leisurely drive to the coast passes through some of the South East’s most picturesque villages; starting at The Royal Park at Greenwich, a World Heritage site that is home to the famous Royal Observatory and the Meridian Line that marks the boundary on the globe between East and West where participants have time to explore the fantastic location with breathtaking views across London before being waved off with the Union Flag. The finish line is on Madeira Drive in Brighton just next to the famous pier; the day ends with an awards ceremony which includes best period dressed participants, longest distance travelled and a number of other special awards on the day.
John was dismayed to be told his classic mini would not be ready in time for the run due to unavailability of a spare part at short notice; he spoke to the organisers who – not wishing him to miss out – allowed him to participate in his Volkswagen Transporter instead! It was John’s first time on an organised scenic tour and his prize included a place on the London to Brighton Classic Car Run, hotel accommodation in London and Brighton as well as joining other entrants for dinner on Saturday and a host of London to Brighton goodies.
Stephen Smith, Event Director from Run organiser GE Classic Motor Events presented John with his prize.
He said: “Congratulations to John on winning the prize draw and making the journey from South Wales to join us. Thanks also to Footman James as we had a record number of entries for 2015 and were fully booked in advance of our closing date. It is great for us to be associated with one of the big names in the classic and kit car scene and we thank them for their support. We hope that the London to Brighton Classic and Kit & Sports car run will become as famous as the Veteran Run!”
David Bond, Footman James’ Director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce the winner of this latest competition. Supporting such events as The London to Brighton Run is an excellent platform for us in raising our awareness and engaging with new, existing and potential customers; combining these with competition offers adds just that little bit extra to committed enthusiasts. Congratulations John!”
For further information about Footman James please contact 0333 207 6000 or visit www.footmanjames.co.uk.
