08/07/03

When Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship fan Vicky Butler turned to Series Commercial Boss Richard West for help with her next fundraising venture, she may well have got more than she bargained for. Supporting Cancer Research UK, West will shave the head of the 32 year old Music Teacher, from Nuneaton, in front of all the BTCC drivers following their Briefing at the Croft race weekend (12th - 13th July).

As a huge VX Racing fan, Vicky drew her inspiration from the shorn head of 2002 Champion James Thompson and Thommo's decision to grow his hair this year didn't deter her from the challenge. Instead, as soon as she heard she had the support of the Championship, she marched straight down to Silks Hair Salon in Nuneaton to ask to borrow their clippers!

Vicky's previous fundraising activities have seen her complete the gruelling Great North Run, cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats, undertake a 26 mile sponsored walk and play all nine of Beethoven's Symphonies in one day, though she admits that the prospect of shaving her head is one of her more daunting challenges:

"I've always made an effort to do my bit for charity and since losing my Dad to cancer in 1999, my efforts have concentrated on Cancer Research. I know shaving my head might appear a bit drastic, but I wanted to do something that would get the BTCC involved, so when Richard offered to do the deed, there was no turning back!"

Richard West commented: "With Cancer affecting so many lives around the world and several in Motorsport in particular over recent months, the BTCC were delighted to be able to support Vicky in her fundraising. The tragedy of Cancer is something Vicky has a very personal experience of, and her motivation to raise funds for Cancer Research is truly admirable"

BTCC fans will get their chance to see the results of the challenge when Vicky joins the stars of the BTCC at the Driver's Parade, prior to the race action at Croft.

The next round of the Green Flag BTCC takes place at Croft round on 12th& 13th July. Tickets are available from the Croft Ticket line on 01325 721815.

If you would like to support Vicky in her fundraising, donations should be sent to Vicky Butler, c/o Silks Ladies and Gents Hair Salon, 55 Ansley Common, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 0PP. Cheques should be made payable to cancer Research UK