A Swift route to motorhome adventure

Making a Swift Escape to the country

When the death of a close friend prompted writer David Hurst to examine just how much contact he really had with friends and relatives when faced with faced with a busy work and family life he realised that there is nothing better than seeing people face to face. After a trip to Spain in a motorhome an idea began to form which would incorporate catching up with people, some of whom he hadn’t seen in 25 years. The Hurst’s duly sold their 16th century cottage in Devon and bought a new house the same size. The cash that this freed up was invested into a new Swift Escape 696, the couples’ son Daniel was excused starting school for three months, and a charity campaign to raise money for Cancer Research UK was born.

Following the same kind of viral concept as the ice bucket challenge, the Hurst’s planned on travelling through various countries, and for each old friend they met up with, they would donate £2 and challenge the friend to meet up with someone else they hadn’t seen for a year, and to donate themselves. You can join in yourself with a £2 donation to Cancer Research by texting FOTO £2 to 70070. To date the Hursts have raised £300 themselves, but are hoping that the campaign will spread far and wide to increase the donations.

So, the project started by talking to Swift about the campaign and getting a great deal on the 2015 model motorhome, with lots of back up support. It was arranged through Marquis who inspected the motorhome and gave instruction on how to operate it. Marquis was also called upon almost immediately when the Swift hit a rogue tyre on the A1 at 60mph. John and Mark at the Sheffield branch patched up the holes and made it roadworthy again.

On the actual trip, even more help has been forthcoming from the Camping and Caravan Club which has been onboard and willing to help from the start. Rather than plan an itinerary for weeks ahead, the Hurst’s would simply call the Club the same day or the night before and ask for a booking and directions. Cue rapid site booking, insurance and even ferry connections. David remarked that the Club has been, “very encouraging, they have been immense making the journey much easier than if travelling by car.”

For now, the Hursts have been enjoying the Lake District, the winding lanes of Devon, the mountains of Scotland and the quaint villages of Sussex. When you’re in a motorhome you get a great view of all the amazing scenery in Britain.

Read the full story of the Hurst’s adventure in the Jan 2015 issue of MMM or follow their adventure as it progresses at face2fb.wordpress.com.

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