At the recent International Mini Meeting (IMM), ace mechanics from Minispares,(John Sibson, Stuart Wright, Dickie Dowsett, Sandra Wright, Andy Mcphail, Richard Stanton Roberts, Colin Wright and Justin Jeffery), built a fabulous Classic Mini Car from spare parts. Thanks also to British Motor Heritage, Newton Commercial, PJ Crash and Bill Richards Racing.

As longstanding supporters of The Italian Job fundraising event which raises money for Variety, the Children’s Charity, they decided to raffle the ‘brand new’ Mini to raise money for our work helping disabled and disadvantaged children.

The raffle raised the fantastic sum of £30,000 which will fund a Sunshine Coach – a magnificent example of the Italian Job’s mantra – Wheels for Wheels.

Miss United Kingdom, Kirsty Heslewood, was invited to make the draw at the Minispares offices in Potters Bar and then telephoned the lucky winner Steve Wood from Surrey and who is a Mini fanatic.

Keith Dodd, founder and Chairman of Minispares and a mini devotee who has over 50 years experience of providing spares for Minis all over the world said:

“We know Variety through our Italian Job connection for which we provide support and spares, so when we thought of raffling the Mini, there were only ever going to be two winners – the one whose name was on the winning ticket and of course, Variety and the children they help. We are delighted to support this wonderful charity and can’t wait to see the smiles of the children when they board the coach for the very first time”

Miss United Kingdom, Kirsty Heslewood gets behind the wheel of the prize Mini

The Mini, pictured in the showroom, is unlikely to need spares for some time to come!