News

Fun loving Tracie Skinner will be taking her special ‘Festive Fiat’ back on the road this Christmas to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

Tracie, dressed herself in festive garb, will be getting behind the wheel of her ‘Santa Car’ this December.

The car, which Tracie has owned since the age of 16, is a well-known sight on the roads of Somerset and Bristol in the run up to Christmas.

“When people see it, it always raises a smile,” said Tracie.

“It really brightens peoples’ day and motorists always beep, wave or flash their lights.”

Tracie, from Cannington, was given the bright red 1970 Fiat 500 when she was just 16 – before she had even passed her driving test.

“I restored the car and got it on the road,” said Tracie

“I love Christmas and always go overboard on decorating my house for the festive season.

One day I looked at the Fiat and thought, I wonder if I could fit a Santa hat on the top.

Tracie worked with mum Sue to find the furry red and white fabric and set about designing a Santa hat for the car.

“It was quite a job as we had to design it and make sure we could make it fit on the roof securely and safely,” said Tracie.

The hat was a hit - with it even attracting attention from the local police.

“I did worry initially during the first year that I may get stopped by the police while driving the car with the hat on,” Tracie laughed.

“One day while I was out driving I got pulled over by the police in Taunton and I panicked a bit.

“But I needn’t have worried – the officers just wanted a selfie picture with the car.”

Tracie has raised thousands of pounds for charity with her Festive Fiat over the last several years.

This year money collected via the Festive Fiat Just Giving Page will go to Children’s Hospice South West.

Tracie will also be bringing the car to CHSW’s Santas on the Run event at Charlton Farm on December 8.
The event will see hundreds of people take part in a 2k run around the stunning grounds of the Wraxall site, all dressed in festive fancy dress.

Tracie will be joined by friend Robin Bendall and his ‘Reindeer Car’, a 1979 MG Midget Frogeye Sprite Replica, the original Frogeye being made in 1958.

Each year Robin, who has owned the car since 2016, attaches a pair of antlers to the car’s roll bar to bring some cheer on the roads at Christmas.

Car enthusiast Robin, 76, bought the car at a classic car show eight years ago.

“I liked the look of it at the car show and there wasn’t time to talk to my wife Jenny about it,” said Robin.

“So I took a picture and sent it to her, telling her that I would explain later.

For the first few days she thought it was a joke, but when she realised it wasn’t, she didn’t speak to me for a fortnight

Robin has enjoyed many adventures in his classic British sports car, travelling to Switzerland as well as Andorra and Monaco, including to the Monaco Classic Grand Prix.

“Because it’s so close to the ground, it’s a fun ride,” he said.

“My wife has forgiven me now and she does come out for the odd ride, but it’s not her favourite thing to do.”

Robin started fundraising for CHSW after meeting stalwart of the charity’s Bridgwater Friends Group, Gill Brown.

“We put a red nose on the front of the car and because of the design, it looks like it’s smiling,” said Robin. 

“And because it’s a convertible we were able to attach the antlers to a board and fix them to the car.”

Robin is also a regular sight across Somerset over the Christmas period – and is looking forward to visiting Charlton Farm.

“I hope the cars will bring an extra bit of Christmas cheer to Santas on the Run,” he said.

“I am sure the cars will get plenty of attention as people love having their pictures taken with them.”

People can still sign up for Santas on the Run at Charlton Farm on December 8.

The event is open to all the family (and well-behaved dogs) and tickets include 50 per cent off the price of entry to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxall on the weekend of the event.

There is also a free hot drink for every runner. The 2k run is open to all abilities, from avid runners to those who prefer a leisurely walk.

Santas on the Run isn’t a timed race. Runners are asked to raise £25 as an individual in sponsorship or £70 as a family.

Tickets are on sale until midday on December 8. All those taking part will be presented with a finishers medal.

CHSW Events Fundraiser Hollie Thorogood said: “We’re so delighted to have the Festive Fiat and Reindeer Frog join us at our Santa event, and if we can’t have Santa and Rudolph join us, this is the next best thing! 

“We’re very grateful to Tracie and Robin for supporting us and joining us at our event, and know the cars will go down a treat with everyone.”

To find out more and sign up visit Santas on the Run North Somerset 2024 | Childrens Hospice South West