Russell Yates has been living with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer for a long time now. This incredible, resilient man finally got his COVID-19 lockdown delayed wish underway when he and his gorgeous daughter lined up at the start line of the VCC (Vintage Car Club of New Zealand) Targa 5 day road rally at the TSB Stadium in New Plymouth on a stunning but cold late autumn morning.
Like Russell, the Targa Road Rally is near and dear to our hearts at Race4Life. We are so fortunate to be the charity partner of the Ultimate Rally Group who are responsible for the fabulous and iconic Targa New Zealand road rally events. It was therefore our great privilege to be present at every day of Russell’s wish. A huge thank you goes out to URG for their assistance with entry fees!
VCC membership is an intergenerational thing for the Yates family, with both Russell and his lovely wife Brenda being introduced to it by their respective families. Now in the present day, three generations were in attendance with the family on stage at prizegiving receiving the well deserved Spirit of the VCC award! Congratulations! The gracious way this award was accepted made a huge and meaningful impact on the evening.
Apart from being a fantastic driver, the first thing we learned about Russell is he is ever so slightly competitive. An attribute that served Team Yates well given they were outright winners of their class, Car number 2 in the class was driven by Russell’s son in law, who fought admirably all event to grab the leading spot in the competition but to no avail! The family rivalry over the dinner table each night would have been so much fun and surely only served to add to the magic of this special wish and family occasion! Thanks must also go to Foodstuffs North Island for generously donating the food and the essentials needed to keep the competitors and family going during this incredibly memorable extended family event!
The photos of Russell’s stunning car and the family receiving their award capture this wish so well!
Thank you:
Targa NZ Ultimate Rally Group
Foodstuffs North Island
