Will’s ‘Monte Carlo or Bust’ Journey in Support of NI Hospice

Back from Monte Carlo (and now a local celebrity thanks to his UTV News debuts), our Financial Planner, Will Clow has officially completed the Monte Carlo or Bust challenge.

He survived the chaos, the cobbles, and the questionable sat nav directions – all in aid of Northern Ireland Hospice.

We caught up with Will to hear all about the journey: the highs, the detours, the cause behind it all, and what it really meant to take on this unforgettable adventure.

So, Will, how does it feel to be back after your Monte Carlo adventure? Caught up on sleep yet?

Just about caught up on sleep! It’s good to be home, but it’s definitely been a bump back down to earth after all the fun. That’s it now – back to porridge.

Tell us about the car. How did your trusty £150 Volkswagen Fox hold up?

The wee machine didn’t miss a beat. It was absolutely incredible. We threw everything at it – Alps, cobbles, dirt tracks, even a race track, and it just kept going. No warning lights, no problems. Absolutely faultless.

What were the best and worst moments on the road?

Worst? Probably us nearly getting the wrong ferry to start with – we nearly ended up in Wales instead of mainland Europe! Also, the great St Bernard pass in the Alps was closed near the end, so we had to go through the Mont-Blanc tunnel instead. But honestly, that turned out to be one of the best drives of the whole trip. That and driving the Monaco Grand Prix circuit was pretty special.

Any mechanical near-disasters or funny detours?

Other than the ferry and a few rogue satnav directions, we got off lightly. There were a few moments with other rally cars – one went up in smoke, Batman and Robin didn’t make it, Scooby-Doo went the wrong way in Casino Square…chaos! But that’s all part of it.

You and Darren spent a lot of time together in that little car – how did the co-driving dynamic work out? Still friends?

Still friends! We had it down to about 90 minute driving shifts, then switched over. Whoever was passenger could have a wee snooze or help with satnav Sally, who didn’t know her left from her right.

Was there a particular moment during the trip that made you stop and go, “Wow, this is really something”?

Driving through the Alps done it for me. That was the bit I was looking forward to most, and even with the pass closed, it was spectacular. Also, getting to drive the Monaco Grand Prix route – unreal.

This trip wasn’t just for fun; it was in support of Northern Ireland Hospice. Why is that cause so important to you?

It’s personal. My dad spent his last days in the hospice, and our Managing Director, Jonny’s mum did too. We’ve both seen first-hand how much the hospice does. That’s why it means so much.

How did people respond when they heard what you were doing and why?

The support has been unbelievable. People have been so generous – donating, sending messages, wishing us well. A couple of folk we met on the rally even chipped in! Everyone thought we were a bit mad, but they were behind us all the way.

Do you know how much you’ve raised so far and what impact that could have?

We’re close to £6,000. We know it takes a lot to even just to keep one bed open in the hospice. If this helps even a little, it’s more than worth it.

Looking back, what did the whole experience teach you – about travel, charity, or even yourself?

That people are incredibly generous. We were fairly confident the car and the two of us would make it. But the fundraising? That was the surprise. Folk just got behind it – maybe it was the madness of it all, but they loved it, and they gave way more than we ever expected.

If someone else was thinking about doing something a bit mad for a good cause, what would you say to them?

Absolutely do it. Don’t hesitate. Don’t overthink. Just book it (non-refundable!) and go. We’ll 100% be doing it again.

What song became your unofficial rally anthem?

Nope. No music in the car – Darren likes country music and I don’t so the compromise was nothing!

Go to snack in the car?

A baguette from the service station. Very French.

Most surreal moment?

Driving into Casino Square, Monte Carlo, and getting told off by armed police for going the wrong way.

One thing you wish you’d brought?

Air con!

So, you said you would you do it again. Maybe a different route next time?

Oh, absolutely. 100%. Not sure when, but it’s definitely happening again.

There’s one rally that starts in Poland, goes through Germany (including a lap of the Nürburgring!), then down through France and Switzerland into Italy, finishing in Venice. That one’s tempting. There’s also a two week one across southern India in a tuk-tuk – you’re in tiger reserves and there’s no backup. That might be a step too far…but we’ll see!

Anything you’d like to say to everyone who donated or supported you along the way?

A massive heartfelt thank you! The support has blown us away. We never imagined we’d raise as much as we did, it’s been fantastic. Every message, every donation, it all meant the world to us.