FRL was the born from a mad idea to raise money for homeless UK veterans by driving convertibles around the M25 in the middle of winter with the roof down! It started as a group of MG enthusiasts but has since grown to include owners of any and every type of convertible you can imagine,but with the same purpose - roof down no matter the weather, and raise as much money as possible for the UK Homes4Heroes Pride & Passion registered charity.
February 2024's run will be the 12th edition and so far has raised the outstanding amount of over £88,000 for this truly worthy cause!
So why drive the M25 with the roof down in the middle of winter?
Homeless veterans living on the streets have to survive whatever the weather or temperature. For just a couple of hours the drivers of these cars will experience a little of the elements for themselves, albeit from the seat of a comfortable vehicle. It's the least we can do....
There is only one rule - roof down whatever the weather!
Our mission is to raise money while having fun, so head over to the Fundraising page and get creative with raising sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues, or get yourself some raffle tickets and you might win a once in a lifetime flight in a WWII era Harvard. There is no entry fee to join the Run and there will be plenty of opportunity to donate or get yourself a FRL bumper sticker on the night!
Check out the FRL Facebook group and maybe find a convoy heading down to the start that you can tag along with. People join us from all over the UK, and we've even had some from overseas, so there is bound to be a group you can join to get down and back together.
The M25 Run lead car will set off and cruise anti-clockwise around the M25 at a steady 50mph all the way round. This gives everyone a chance to safely, and legally, cruise up and down the convoy and check out the fantastic cars and costumes on the night, without passing the lead car. When we get to the Dartford Tunnel you can enjoy the heavenly 'tunnel tunes' from the 4, 6, 8 or 12 cyclinders thundering around you. Guaranteed to put a huge grin on every face!
We finish at Thurrock Services, for an almost complete lap of the 'Road to Hell' and those that brave the elements will have a final chance for hot coffee, photographs and farewells before heading home.
Full details of the start location, address, map and approximate timings for the night are available here. See you there!
To find out more about the event, the raffle and fundraising efforts, and join in the fun and banter, join our Facebook group - Friends Round London Community
UK Homes 4 Heroes was founded in response to the plight of homeless ex-service personnel. It is estimated that over 4,000 previously serving members of the British Armed Forces are sleeping rough in the UK today. With the Government making cuts to all services this figure is sadly going to rise.
The charity's objectives are:
1. To dedicate hostel style accommodation to our ex service personnel, and only them, providing a safe, clean living environment where they can feel secure and at home.
2. To help gain a permanent home through social housing, assisting through the application and bidding phases.
3. To provide counselling services for people with psychological disorders, i.e. Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
There is currently have a 16 strong team of dedicated professionals heading this operation and they will not give up until they succeed. They have countless collectors ready to pick up their buckets and harass the general public for their small change. They have the backing of the London Pearly Kings & Queens, one of the oldest charitable institutes in Britain today. That is not to mention the small business men & women, who stick their posters in their business' windows and donate to the charity what they can.
Now all they need is you!
Together we can make a difference...
Together we can home our Heroes