CannonBawz Run set to return to Elgin next weekend one year after inspiration's tragic passing
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AN annual charity car rally which has become synonymous with its inspiration Liam O'Neill, will return next weekend one year after his tragic passing.
The CannonBawz Run was founded in 2015 by Liam's brother Kris O'Neill to raise money for charity.
That includes the Marfan Trust which supports those with Marfan Syndrome - the rare condition Liam suffered from which affects the connective tissue around the body.
Around 45 cars will set off from Elgin High Street on August 27 to navigate the NC500 over two days before finishing up in Inverness.
The event, which has raised over £40,000 for worthy causes, has received special recognition from celebrities such as Sir Jackie Stewart as well as Dame Judi Dench.
"Getting messages like that from people like Dame Judi Dench wishing us all the best is really amazing," Kris said.
"She called me 008 as well which was really nice but things like that are just something else.
"The rally has really grown. We've got an American guy coming over this year as well so it's really nice to see that it has touched that side of the pond."
This year, cosplayers portraying characters from the Star Wars, DC and Marvel universes will be in attendance at the rally's start as well as the Delorean - made famous in Back to the Future.
The rally was held last year after Liam had passed away and Kris, who lives in Lossiemouth, says that it's continuation ensures that his brother's legacy will live on.
"Liam's legacy will for sure live on," Kris said.
"It will always be for Liam and having some Star Wars cosplayers there will be great because he was a massive fan.
"I'm going to keep it going every year until maybe the wee one can takeover for me when I get a bit too old to do it. I'm 44 just now so I don't think that will be for a while yet.
"Overall there will be loads to do and anybody is welcome to come along."
Drivers will stop overnight in Ullapool where a charity auction will be held. Included in the list of items up for sale are a pair of gloves from Formula One driver Pierre Gasly, Dario Franchitti's race boots, bottles of whisky signed by Sir Jackie Stewart as well as various other items.
All funds raised this year will be split evenly between the Marfan Trust, Race Against Dementia and Rock2Recovery.
"Liam wasn't just my brother, he was a good friend to everyone else as well," Kris added.
"He taught kids karate and he has a dojo named after him in Aberdeen.
"I just wanted to do what I could to help the Marfan Trust.
"We started off with just seven cars but we're up to much higher numbers these days so it's great to see it grow."
More information can be found here.
