Quirky cars raise cash for St Catherine’s!

A man used his passion for motors to support St Catherine’s Hospice by handing over a collection of rare spare parts to a car club in return for a donation to the charity.

Derek Nickson lovingly restored his KR200 Messerschmitt – a unique three-wheeled car which opens up like the cock-pit of an old fighter plane – over more than 30 years, giving it several make-overs along the way.

In the process he accumulated many spare parts for the rare model, which had been gathering dust in his garage since selling his beloved car six years ago.

Son Tony decided they could be of use to the official Messerschmitt Owners Club (MOC), and made contact with north west-based member Alan Town.

Derek didn’t want any money for the haul, but when Alan suggested a charity donation instead he was delighted to put forward St Catherine’s Hospice.

Derek, who lives near the hospice in Lostock Hall, originally bought the car back in 1969 when he was working at British Aereospace in Preston as a maintenance electrician.

“A friend of mine – another guy called Derek – had one which he used to get to work,” Derek, aged 82, said.

“I told him I’d be interested in getting one too and we found one in Lytham. It had been used as a beach buggy on Blackpool sands – it only cost me £25 at that time!

“I really loved it – it was so small and handy, perfect for nipping about in. It was purple when I got it, but it changed to blue, and then red just before I sold it.

“I’m very pleased the spare parts I collected over the years will be of use, and I wanted to help St Catherine’s because it’s such a local charity, which does great work.”

Tony, a Fire and Rescue Watch Manager at BAE Systems who live in Bamber Bridge, added: “I remember my Dad working for hours on his Messerschmitt when I was giteming up – it really was a labour of love.

“We’re really pleased the spare parts have helped raise some funds for St Catherine’s – palliative care towards the end of life is so important.”

Derek, Tony and Alan, along with David Garner, chairman of the MOC, and his brother Ryalwyn, visited the hospice in their quirky cars to personally deliver the donation.

Emma Jacovelli, fundraiser at St Catherine’s Hospice, thanked Derek and the MOC for the wonderful donation, which will be used to help fund the specialised care the charity provides to those affected by life-shortening conditions in Central Lancashire.

She added: “It was great fun having a go in these wonderfully quirky cars, and amazing to see and hear about how much enjoyment they have brought and continue to bring to Derek and the other guys.

“We’re so grateful for the contribution to St Catherine’s – it’s certainly one of the more unusual donations we’ve received! The money will be a great boost to our work providing specialised care and support for patients and their families when it really matters most.”

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