Glasgow brothers plan rally tribute to father

Published on 11/03/2013 16:28

Two brothers will take part in a 7,600-mile vintage car race in memory of their father, who passed away after a two-year battle with cancer.

Daniel and Antony Woodcock, aged 25 and 23 respectively, will drive their father Louis’ 1927 Bentley across China, Russia and Europe during the Peking to Paris Rally in May.

The pair are raising cash for the charity Sarcoma UK, which offers support to sufferers and funds research and raises awareness about the disease.

Louis Woodcock, a Glaswegian businessman who is said to have had a “lifelong love” of classic cars, died in September last year, aged 54, after being diagnosed with Myxofibrosarcoma in December 2010.

Despite having his left arm amputated as he fought the disease, Mr Woodcock was determined to take part in this year’s Peking to Paris race.

The brothers, who both work in the hotel industry, decided to take on the challenge to pay tribute to him.

The 33-day race kicks off at the Great Wall of China on May 28 and spans 7,610 miles It is only the fifth time since 1907 that it has taken place.

Daniel Woodcock said: “Anyone who knew our father will be more than aware of his positive ‘gung-ho’ attitude towards life, his love of speed and his passion for adventure.

“The Peking to Paris Rally was, for many years, his dream and in 2011 he made it his goal to compete in the 2013 race.

“He put a great deal of time and effort into preparing himself, and at times it even drove him to go on.

“That is why Antony and I have pledged to finish this challenge in his memory, and hopefully we will be able to raise as much money and awareness as possible for Sarcoma UK.”

Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the supporting or connective tissues of the body such as muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, blood vessel and fat.

Daniel and Antony Woodcock, who were born in Paisley and grew up in Lochwinnoch, both Renfrewshire, have no previous rally experience and they have recently been given a three-week crash course in Bentley mechanics by Neil Davis Racing.

Glasgow-based hotel management company BDL Management, which was founded by their father in 1997, has also given its backing to the men, both financially and in helping to raise awareness of the cause.

To find out more about the challenge and to follow their progress, visit the official Team Woodcock website at teamwoodcockp2p.co.uk.