IT WAS an eclectic mix of colourful cars, revving engines, and camouflage.
Asda car park had never seen so much bright paint as car enthusiasts from across the area gathered for a rally to raise money for ABF, The Soldier’s Charity.
People with modified cars gathered in Bedhampton to start the rally, which was opened by the Mayor of Havant, Cllr Gerald Shimbart.
The fundraisers then travelled to AMF Bowling, in Portsdown Hill Road, for an afternoon of military-themed activities, including a mini assault course.
The event was the brainchild of Chris Barnley, 29, who runs a modified car club called Hashiriya Shows.
He was inspired after meeting Lynne Hyett, a fundraiser for ABF, at this year’s Waterlooville fete.
Chris, of Shaftesbury Avenue, Waterlooville, who drove his yellow Toyota Supra, said: ‘It’s the first charity event I have ever done.
‘What turned my ear was when Lynne spoke to me about prosthetic legs and how much it costs.
‘It’s something like £80,000 just to pay for someone to get the use of a leg back.’
Participants pulled out all the stops with the military theme, wearing combats and painting their faces.
Among them was Dolly Russell, 47, of Bridgemary Road, Gosport.
Her MR2 car features flip paint, so it’s a different colour depending how the light hits it.
She said: ‘Raising money is difficult these days and I thought this event was a bit different.
‘It’s been fun.’
Nathan Read, 26, from Boarhunt, who drove a Subaru Impreza, said: ‘I thought this would be a great way of promoting our club, but also giving something back.’
The event, which raised more than £850, was supported by Karl Britton, from Horndean, who runs Modified Xtreme Magazine.
Lynne, from Waterlooville, said: ‘I think it’s been great and Chris has put an awful lot of work into it.
‘£850 will go a long way.’
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