Hampshire Medical Fund revs up for annual Classic Car Rally in support of NHS hospitals

Hampshire’s Classic Car Rally returns this year with another packed programme of fundraising and motor-gazing.

Auto enthusiasts are invited to come along on Sunday May 14 and see a host of vintage and classic cars – maybe even show off their own.

The event kicks off at Highclere Castle and will take place across various locations throughout the day, with food included.

Running the show is Hampshire Medical Fund, founded in 1981 by the late Earl of Carnarvon. The charity has held its hugely successful Classic Car Rally since 2017 with continuing support from Lady Carnarvon.

As NHS budgets grow ever tighter, the money it raises will go towards cutting-edge medical equipment for hospitals in Winchester, Andover and Basingstoke.

It will also fund new equipment for the Speech and Language Therapy department at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, enabling therapists to assess swallowing difficulties in patients such as those who have suffered from a stroke.

Highclere Castle. Credit: Richard Munckton from Windsor, Melbourne, Australia

Robert Smith, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Hampshire Medical Fund, said: “We are really excited for the event this year.

“We will be travelling between some fantastic locations, including Highclere Castle and Laverstoke Park Farm, before finishing with tea and drinks with Lord and Lady Remnant in Baughurst.

“Obviously fundamentally we are there fundraising, but it’s a great day out with like-minded people, with the opportunity to see first-hand some real classic and vintage cars.

“It’s a different day with good variety to it, so I would encourage anyone to get involved.”