About 8 years ago, when I was able to walk a few steps I was given the opportunity to have a go at some off road driving. Before we moved house my neighbour, Graham Dale, had a 1985 3.5 L Range Rover which he bought to green lane and to use in trials. He very kindly made a few adaptations to make it easier for me to drive. In fact we both thought that the adaptations that had been made were superb because they were able to be removed so that we could swap driving duties quickly. He and I took turns in driving or navigating through a course. It was great fun and I have always wanted to have another go but as the weakness in my limbs got worse and work and other activities got in the way it was put to the back of my mind. Until, that is, I was putting together The 50 List. I thought that it would be a good challenge to see if I could do something like this still. When the offer came from The One Show I could’t pass it up!
The venue was the Porsche Driving Experience at Silverstone. I was to drive a Porsche Cayenne, a very capable and intelligent 4×4 vehicle. The instructor took us out onto the off road course and explained all the technical toys to me, and there were a few. He drove round the course and explained all the techniques for handling this very luxury, leather clad interior, brute of a 4×4.
Then came my turn and I was not disappointed. Technology has come a long way since I drove the old Range Rover!
Thank you to Porsche Driving Experience and The One Show for making it possible.
