Essex Men Rally Together to Help Children with Deafblindness

Five friends are about to compete in a seven car battle from London to Bucharest in bid to raise over £20,000 to help children with deafblindness. 

Dean Lumer, 50, from Shenfield, Dave Lumer, 47, from Fobbing, Ken Marsterson, 50, from Chelmsford, Ed Lott, 55, from Gants Hill, and Rich Willcocks, 47, from Wivenhoe, will battle in a charity car rally to Romania alongside eight other participants from across the country.

The five Essex men are rallying together to support Dean, who is a Trustee for Sense International, and hope to raise over £20,000 for the charity in their ‘Drive for Sense International’ challenge.

The expedition, which begins on May 15, will see them compete as part of a seven car rally and tackle a 1,500 mile journey from London to Bucharest, via France, Belgium, Germany and Hungary.

For the challenge, each team must make the journey in a car that costs a maximum of £500 and each of the cars will be uniquely decorated in different play themes, including football and basketball.

The seven cars which, in addition the money being raised, will be carrying a range of specialist sensory toys and games for children with deafblindness, are due to arrive on May 20.

Upon arrival, they will personally visit a number of Romanian schools for children with deafblindness, where they will get to meet some of the children who have benefited from the work Sense International has carried out there.

Dean Lumer, Sense International Trustee, said: “I can’t wait to set off for Sense International and a cause close to my heart.

"Although a fairly small charity, Sense International has a big impact, supporting local partners to provide vital medical and educational support.

"Children learn to communicate, to develop self-care skills and receive an education.

"Rather than being isolated and excluded they can live, learn and thrive as valued human beings.

"Every penny of the £20,000 we hope to raise will go towards giving a chance in life to children with deafblindness.”

Cristiana Salomie, Sense International Romania Director, said: “For the past 15 years, Sense International Romania has made a difference in the life of people with deafblindness.

"When we started, there wasn’t even a word for deafblindness (surdocecitate) in the Romanian language.

“Now, deafblindness is recognised as a distinct disability by legislation, and children with deafblindness and multisensory impairments have access to high quality early intervention, education and vocational services, created by Sense International Romania in partnership with the state authorities.

“We are thrilled to be the final destination of the ‘Drive for Sense International’ challenge.

"This huge effort will lead to children with deafblindness in Romania being provided with better opportunities in life.”

Donate at justgiving.com/teams/driveforsense