Car wrapped in Christmas lights sets off on UK tour in aid of charity
The driver is hoping to raise ÂŁ50,000 for three causes
A car wrapped in 2,000 Christmas lights is currently touring the UK to raise ÂŁ50,000 for three charities.
The MINI Electric is being driven by 32-year-old Nicholas “Nico” Martin, a software engineer from Berkshire.
The five-week tour will take Mr Martin around the UK, and is set to make stops in places across the country from Blackpool to the Silverstone racing circuit.
Mr Martin has been hand-wrapping his car in festive lights since 2017, driving around his local Bracknell spreading festive joy around the town.
Last December, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, he spread Christmas cheer by bringing his festive MINI to people’s doorsteps, replacing the annual Christmas lights displays and raising more than £5,000 for the MS Trust and Duchenne UK.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr Martin said he felt there was a chance to get people in the Christmas mood, after the intense year people faced in 2020.
“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”, he said.
This year, he is taking the tour nationwide, hoping to raise £50,000 for charity. All proceeds from the tour will be donated to the MS Trust, Duchenne UK and Alzheimer’s Society.
“Both charities mean a lot to me – unfortunately my mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis six years ago, and 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 with so much joy and excitement, I realised that I had created something truly special. Ever since meeting him and learning about his condition, I’ve wanted to support him in any way I can,” he added.
Mr Martin's initiative has gathered so much support that MINI also threw their backing to the tour.
Director of MINI UK, David George said: "We’re extremely humbled to be a part of Nico’s fundraising project with the Festive Mini Electric.
“It’s a wonderful idea that will bring people together, make them smile, and also raise funds for some amazing charities.”
If you want to donate to Mr Martin’s fundraiser, go to: www.festivegiving.org.uk/fundraising/festive-mini/
This is the MINI Nico Martin is taking across the UK to spread some Christmas cheer:
Nicholas "Nico" Martin, 32, kitted out his MINI Electric with hand-wrapped Christmas lights. The car is covered in 2,000 lights that will bring festive cheer to people across the UK in the hope to raise ÂŁ50,000 for charity.
The lights on the car are able to change colour - from rainbow to snow white - at the click of a button, adding extra excitement to the software engineer's tour around the country.
Mr Martin is trying to raise money for three charities close to his heart - the MS Trust, Duchenne UK and the Alzheimer's Society. Having raised ÂŁ5,000 for his efforts last year, Martin believes it is possible to raise the funds to help vulnerable people, while giving people something to smile about.
While on his trip, Nico will travel across the UK, planning to stop at spots like Blackpool, Warwickshire and the Silverstone racing circuit. The 32-year-old has gathered so much support that MINI UK's director has commended Mr Martin on his commitment to help those less fortunate.