An insurance company has a neglected 1969 Mini restored to its former glory, before auctioning it to raise vital funds and awareness of the most common cancer in men.
One lucky Welsh wife is in for a big surprise this Christmas, after her husband secretly bought her a sparklingly-restored classic Mini at auction as a present, raising £12,938 for Prostate Cancer UK in the process.
Named Margo by her former owner, the 1969 Morris Mini Super Deluxe was lovingly restored over seven months by Lancaster Insurance. She then went under the hammer at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show in Birmingham on 12 November, where a thrilling bidding war saw a man from Wales lay claim to the car keys.
"As soon as I saw Margo in the press, I knew she would be a perfect Christmas gift for my wife," he said. "I travelled to the show especially to bid for Margo and to say I’m thrilled that we’re the new owner is an understatement. She is a true classic beauty. Knowing the money goes to a good cause, tops it off!”
Richard Morley, Divisional Head at Lancaster Insurance, was equally delighted by Margo's sale.
"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and with many of our customers fitting this profile, this project was incredibly important to us," he said. "The auction was electrifying and we’re so pleased to have raised awareness and much needed funds for Prostate Cancer UK."
#StartTheWeek with a good deed for #ProstateUK, by RTing this post & helping to #FindMiniAHome :)! pic.twitter.com/H3kG4HLvzl
— Margo Mini (@HomeForMini) March 21, 2016
Bit odd to see my insides in a photo like this. Can't wait to get my engine back in so I start to feel #Mini again! pic.twitter.com/da7MkWeRRw
— Margo Mini (@HomeForMini) April 12, 2016
Forget #BleedingLove @leonalewis, it's all about #BleedingMini!RT for #ProstateUK & help #FindMiniAHome #Restoration pic.twitter.com/b6DEkcf7Np
— Margo Mini (@HomeForMini) April 15, 2016
#FridayFeeling getting there! pic.twitter.com/0z9nHYZM5f
— Margo Mini (@HomeForMini) May 20, 2016
Place a bid on me at Silverstone (@silverstoneauc) at #NECClassic today at 2pm! All proceeds to @ProstateUK Help me #FindAHome 😊🚗👍 pic.twitter.com/gB1YGCfFuE
— Margo Mini (@HomeForMini) November 12, 2016