Guests enjoyed five halls of mesmerising displays of classic and modern cars, all under one roof. The event included a tour of the collection by Collector and Racing Driver, Robert Lewis, and an address by SSAFA Trustee and Chair, Sir Simon Bollom.
An unforgettable experience
In his address, Sir Simon Bollom said: “I have been SSAFA Chair for nine months and this event is unique, with an unbelievable special collection of cars and people.”
It was an unforgettable experience for car enthusiasts, as they got to explore the museum’s stunning collection featuring iconic vehicles from different eras: Koenigsegg, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Le Mans, Formula 1, Jaguar, Tractors and an incredible collection of fuel pumps and automotive memorabilia.
A driving force
The event was put together by ‘A Driving Force for SSAFA’ volunteers Alex & Harriet Wolfe who are participants in the 2024 event this Summer; supported by the generosity of Robert and Tanya Lewis, who have dedicated over two decades to raising funds for military charities and have given access to their incredible museum for the event.
Alex and Harriet are taking part in A Driving Force for SSAFA 2024 after enjoying every single minute of the 2022 event which raised over £170,000 for SSAFA!
Alex Wolfe MBA an Energy Leader and Early Years Nursery Owner from Southfields, London said: “Growing up you are told not to talk to strangers. At the event, the generosity of strangers donating auction lots, raffle prizes, buying tickets and donations has made it an incredible evening. Robert and Tanya Lewis’ hospitality of opening one of the UK’s great car collections has raised funds for our veterans and given all attendees an unforgettable experience!”
The charity auction which greatly contributed to the amazing amount that was raised, included unique lots such as enjoying an Aston Martin Rapide S for a week, dinner at Annabel’s (London’s most iconic private members club), a day on a motor yacht on the Solent and more.
A Driving Force for SSAFA is a biennial charity event, raising funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. It involves 100 people, in 50 vehicles, including participants and support vehicles, on an exhilarating 10-day driving adventure across the Iberian Peninsula and Gibraltar from 30 July to 9 August 2024, hoping to raise £120,000 for SSAFA.