Newcastle to the Monaco Grand Prix 2024

9th July 2024

John Denholm is an ADI with PNG Driving School, and we have promoted a lot of his work for charity, as it’s an inspiration to everyone in the office. John has very recently raised £775 for MIND, Cash For Kids and Prostate Cancer UK by driving 1231 miles in his Pass N Go car from Newcastle to the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix. He decided to take part in this drive due to his love for the Formula 1. He chose these charities, as they hit close to home; John disclosed to us that his brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer and benefitted from Prostate Cancer UK’s support,  Throughout the Covid-19 lockdowns, so many people’s mental health’s had suffered, especially the children’s mental health, and so John wanted to support charities that advocated for mental health awareness – which is what MIND and Cash For Kids do.

The Trip

John drove from Newcastle to Dover, onto a ferry into Calais. He spent one night in Northern France and then travelled twelve/thirteen hours down to Nice and Monaco for the Grand Prix. John found the drive tiring but well worth it, as although there was a lot of motorway driving, he also seen some stunning countryside scenery.

He stayed in Nice for 4 nights and commuted into Monaco by train for the Saturday qualifying and Sunday’s Grand Prix. As well as the Grand Prix, they decided to go sightseeing, such as walking up to the palace for a viewing point but it was so busy, so he went back to the F1 Fan Zone and watched the race on the big screens. Monaco was so hectic, that on the Monday he drove over from Nice into Monaco to drive around the track but only made it along the starting grid and through the tunnel.

When asked what the highlight of his trip was, he answered: “A highlight? Probably being told I couldn’t take my ten Euro pint into the palace of Monaco, after I’d climbed about five hundred steps to get there…”

Fundraising is still ongoing for all three of the charities. John has currently raised almost £800, with his target being £1,000. If you would like to donate to John’s fundraising page you can here.