I’ve had a passion for motor sport for as long as I can remember.  My early years are littered with memories of car shows, RAC rallies, the rain-soaked Birmingham SuperPrix, and of course the traffic jams getting into the British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone to see the likes of Senna, Prost and Mansell going wheel-to-wheel.  And it was always my dad who took me to every one.

I didn’t start racing myself until my mid-20s, but immediately set about targeting the pinnacle of GT racing – the Le Mans 24hrs.  It’s taken the best part of a decade, but finally I’ll be there this year in a Lotus Evora as part of team Lotus Jetalliance.  It always seemed natural that my dad would be there to see it…

Then, in early 2009, he was diagnosed with Sarcoma cancer.  He deteriorated very quickly and had left us by September.  

Throughout this time, the folks at Macmillan Cancer Support were there, providing help and support to both him and my mum, enabling them to cope a little easier.  They are an incredible organisation whose aim is to provide practical help to those caught up with this horrible disease.  This includes an army of volunteer nurses who provide home care – all for free and on top of their day jobs.

When my dad passed away, I resolved that if I ever managed to race at Le Mans I would use the opportunity to raise funding for Macmillan, both as a thank you for their work and in memory of a dad who first got me hooked on racing.  Over 100,000 Brits go to Le Mans to watch the race every year, so the aim is to generate £100,000 - equivalent to £1 each.  So if you are going to the race, I hope you’ll contribute.  And even if you’re not, I hope you’ll contribute anyway and help me beat the target.

Up until 30th May, when we had to go to print, we had raised over £12,800 and those who have donated will have their initials and logos as part of the design on the car.  Owing to popular demand, and the generosity of several individuals and companies, the fundraising will remain open until 19th June and all those who donate will be entered into a draw.  For more details see www.virginmoneygiving.com/LeMans

You can also follow our progress on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LeMansMacmillan or on Twitter (@martinjrich).  Thanks for being part of this!