Kent ice cream producer Stephen Solley hopes to raise loads of lolly for a local charity with an 800-mile car rally to Monte Carlo in September.
Stephen, from Solley’s Kentish Ice Cream in Ripple, near Deal, is teaming up with son Richard to raise £1,500 for Martha Trust’s latest car challenge – Martha’s Monte Carlo Madness.
The ‘Solley Scooperstars’ will start their adventure from Dover on September 6 in a second-hand Mitsubishi Gallant – a far cry from the classic 1971 Morrison ice cream van Stephen Solley is used to driving at charity events, festivals and weddings. After the ferry crossing to Calais, competitors will then drive south through France and into Monaco, arriving at Monte Carlo on September 9.
Martha Trust is a registered charity that provides residential, respite care and day care for people with profound physical and multiple learning disabilities.
Stephen Solley said: “We’re delighted to be support the work of Martha Trust at their centre in Deal, and across the South East. Martha’s Monte Carlo Madness promises to be a huge challenge and we’re grateful for any support we can get for this worthy charity.”
Julie Gayler, Director of Marketing at Martha said “It is great to have an established local business like Solley’s joining us on the challenge this year. We really appreciate their support and can’t wait to see what the Scooperstars theme looks like!”
One of the conditions of entry is that all cars driven on the challenge must have been bought for under £200. Stephen Solley adds: “We would have loved to take our classic Morrison and brought our Kentish ice cream to the continent, but sadly I don’t think the van would survive the trip!”
The Solley Scooperstars – and their trusty Solley-mobile – will be taking part in the Deal Carnival on July 31, where they will be handing out cups of Solley’s ice cream to spectators in return for donations to Martha Trust. To sponsor the team, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/solleyscooperstars.
Solley’s Farms is one of the largest independent ice cream-makers in the South East and has been producing real Kentish dairy ice cream for almost 30 years. The family-run company sources 85% of all base products from within Kent, and all its milk and cream comes from a jersey herd on a neighbouring farm.
Follow Solleys on Twitter @solleysicecream or ‘Like’ on Facebook at www.facebook.com/solleysicecream
