Eco-journey inspiration

A Surbiton car enthusiast hopes his incredible driving achievement will now inspire others to travel safely, save money and protect the environment. Andy Conway (28) – Founder and Director of the Ibiza Owners Club - arrived in John o’ Groats last night (Sunday 1 August) after successfully traveling 837 miles from Lands' End…without refueling once!

Along with his friend Mark Fitzgerald (24), Andy's ‘Emissions Mission’ was in aid of the Breast Cancer Campaign and they still need donations to reach their £1000 target. Their vehicle’s tank usually allows 753 miles but after averaging 87.3 miles per gallon – with a high of 93.5 – the duo arrived with 165 miles still left in the tank! They put the accomplishment down to sensible driving and forward planning.

Andy said:
“We thought we might have arrived in John O’ Groats practically running on fumes, but are really proud to have achieved this so comfortably. It proves that with careful driving, looking ahead and judging the traffic to avoid unnecessary braking, traveling light and keeping your tyres inflated, you can be safe on the road, save yourself money and protect the environment.”

Andy and Mark made the trip in the new, eco-friendly Ibiza ECOmotive, specially loaned by SEAT and Action for Employment Barnsley (www.mya4e.com) were the main sponsors.

Andy added:
"It was a fascinating and testing journey; we had to concentrate at all times but this hopefully shows that not all male drivers in our age range are reckless, inconsiderate speed merchants. Hopefully our ‘emissions mission’ will inspire other young motorists, whilst raising money for a very worthy cause.”

To help them reach their target for the Breast Cancer Campaign, Mark and Andy are asking people to visit www.justgiving.com/IbizaOC

Now the pair, as part of the Seat Ibiza Owners Club, plan try to offset their show season by creating a 0% Carbon Footprint Owners Club, which they think could be the first in the world.

Comments

1. Why would it NOT be necessary?
We were testing out a fuel efficient, eco-friendly car to it's limits. Mostly because car manufacturers these days go on about MPG figures in the book but you'll find most drivers cannot hit those targets no matter how hard they try. This was proof that it CAN be achieved with careful driving and judgement. All this, while doing it for a very worthy cause.

2. We drove from Yorkshire down in the car to get a feel of the type of driving style we would have to maintain.

3. From John'o'Groats we travelled back down to Yorkshire, Mark went home, I picked up my vehicle from his and drove back to Surbiton.

4. Done.

Question 1 for you...
Why the questions?

I support the Breast Cancer Campaign but ...

1. Was the journey necessary?
2. How did they get to Lands' End?
3. How did they get back to Surbiton from Lands' End?
4. Go to question 1

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