One Rolls-Royce owner has done his bit to dispel the myth that the rich couldn't give a fig for the poor - by carrying out 50 'Random Acts of Kindness' during this year's epic Gumball 3000 rally.
The 2014 G3000 ran from Miami to Ibiza from June 4-11, covering two continents and a host of major world cities. And Garreth Wood, founder of the Edinburgh-based Speratus Group, decided to use the jaunt as a way of raising money for the When you wish upon a Star foundation, a charity that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. During the event, Garreth, his wife Nicola and friend William Rhind carried out their 50 mini-missions, with Garreth's company promising to donate £2,000 (about €2,488) for every random act. The Gumball Foundation then matched that figure, with the entire £200,000 (€248,779) committed to sending a group of children and their helpers on a journey to Lapland to meet Father Christmas. Their car, a Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé, was specially wrapped for the trip in an eye-catching combination of red chrome and black velvet, with a Scottish flag motif on the boot, creating the 'Velvet Phantom'.
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"It's a great honour to support 'When you wish upon a Star'," said Garreth. "This trip to Lapland promises to create magical memories for children and families dealing with life threatening illnesses. This [Gumball] journey presents an incredible opportunity to raise vital funds for such a worthy cause. It's also important to raise awareness; this is why we chose a temporary wrap for the car that is sure to wow the crowds wherever we go! We are incredibly grateful to the Gumball Foundation for agreeing to match our donation allowing us to double the number of children we can take to Lapland at the end of the year."