Rally driver Fiona completes Europe challenge

Sarah Howells Thursday, September 13, 2012
8:30 AM

The former Royal Navy aircraft mechanic has completed a gruelling 4,000 mile trek across Europe in a week for charity.

Fiona with Murray Walker OBE

A BARNSTAPLE woman has returned from a week of rallying and racing her way around Europe to raise thousands for the Royal British Legion.

Last month Fiona Laing, a former Royal Navy aircraft mechanic, told the Gazette she was taking on the challenge after losing her husband to post traumatic stress disorder.

Fiona set off from the Top Gear Test Track and met famous commentator Murray Walker OBE at the start line.

Along the way Fiona and navigator Jason Middleton did encounter a few mishaps, including getting lost and stranded in the middle of a gypsy camp.

But just under 4,000 miles later, she is the first female rally driver to have ever undertaken the challenge.

She said: “The rally went great and we have raised in excess of £110,000 with still more coming in.

“It’s been so successful that I’m doing it all again over Easter in the BACKONTRACK rally which raises money for Soldiers off the Street, which is a charity that helps homeless heroes who cant adapt to civvie life and find themselves homeless with no support.”

Fiona has single-handedly raised around £3,000 so far, but you can still sponsor her at www.virginmoneygiving.com/fionalaing