Nearly 50 stunning classic cars took to the roads of Yorkshire to help raise a staggering £47,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice during the charity’s highly anticipated annual Mad Hatters Classic Car Run.
The spectacular event saw motoring enthusiasts begin their sun-drenched day with a gourmet breakfast at Rudding Park in Harrogate. Setting off from the estate, the convoy made its way to Boston Spa, where drivers passed by the newly refurbished Martin House hospice building to see firsthand the environment their fundraising supports.
A scenic drive through the North Yorkshire countryside followed, leading the fleet to the picturesque village of Harome. There, participants were treated to an exceptional Michelin-star lunch at the renowned Star Inn, followed by a high-stakes fundraising auction led by popular television antiques expert Angus Ashworth.
With the spectacular summer weather holding out, the drivers then navigated to their final destination, the ultra-luxurious Grantley Hall near Ripon, for a sophisticated afternoon tea and the final awards ceremony.
Prizes were handed out across a variety of fun and competitive categories, including the best-sounding engine and the most-loved British car. The competition for the coveted best-dressed “Mad Hatter” award was famously fierce this year, but it was ultimately a team dressed as Minions who triumphed to take home the trophy.
The vital funds raised from the event will directly help Martin House continue to provide its specialist, round-the-clock palliative care to children, young people, and their families across North, West, and East Yorkshire.
Each year, the hospice supports more than 550 children and young adults living with life-shortening conditions, alongside roughly 200 bereaved family members. It costs more than £13 million annually to keep the facility running and provide this specialist care, which is given completely free of charge to families. Because the vast majority of this sum relies on voluntary donations, events like the classic car run are absolutely essential.
Becky Leighton, Relationship and Philanthropy Manager at Martin House, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in this year’s Mad Hatters event – from our drivers and passengers, to our amazing venues, and headline sponsor, Rothschild & Co Wealth Management.
“It was a brilliant day, with lots of fun for all involved. Crucially, we also raised vital funds which will allow us to continue to be there for families when they need us most. Finally, this event simply wouldn’t be possible without the vision and passion of our amazing supporters, Jonathan Sands OBE and Will Linley. Their dedication, generosity, and tireless commitment are instrumental in bringing the day together and making it such a resounding success.”
To find out more about the incredible work at Martin House or to see how you can support their upcoming campaigns, visit martinhouse.org.uk.
