A man aims to raise more than £5,000 for charity by taking a Mini Electric wrapped in 2,000 Christmas lights on a five-week tour of the UK.
Nicholas ‘Nico’ Martin will reveal his festive Mini in Bracknell, Berkshire later this week, ahead of starting his nationwide tour.
He wants to raise both awareness and cash for the MS Trust, Duchenne UK and the Alzheimer’s Society.
It’s the latest step in a project that began three years ago, when Nico wrapped his own Mini in fairy lights and showed it off in Bracknell.
When Covid stopped many Christmas displays in 2020, Nico decided to step up his efforts – which have continued, now with the support of Mini UK, in 2021.
“I just knew last year I had an opportunity to cheer people up and also to raise funds for the MS Trust and Duchenne UK,” said Nico.
“In 2019, I was asked to take the Festive Mini to surprise an incredible young boy, Marcus Rooks, who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
“When I saw his face light up, I realised that I had created something truly special.”
By switching to a Mini Electric, Nico says all his trips are now environmentally friendly, and special app-controlled twinkly lights “with their amazing customisable animations really give the car a bit of extra magic”.
Mini UK director David George said the firm was “humbled to be a part of Nico’s fundraising project.
“It’s a wonderful idea that will bring people together, make them smile, and also raise funds for some amazing charities.”
A Festive Mini 2021 tour website is now live for those who want to visit one of Nico’s stops.
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