323 replies to this topic

[Prawn]

Right guys, its time to get things sorted.

As you all know, Oliver Lewis, a dear friend to many of us, was involved in a tragic accident on the A308 on Sunday morning, in which he was killed.

As you all know, Oli was nearing the end of building a Mini, a project which has taken him some 3 years so far, and taken up all his spare time and money.

Oli went way beyond what most people would be content with, and insisted that EVERY single aspect of his mini would be perfect.
We would go to his workshop at weekends to work on the mini, and when I was ready for bed, Oli would insist we move into the workshop, and carry on working.
We were often in the workshop until 2-3am, WAY past my bed time. Oli loved every second of it, you could see from his face, every bit of progess on the mini just made his eye light up, he truly lived for that mini. Finishing it was his all consuming passion, and it was going to be one of the most incredible cars ever built.

Tragicly, after 3 years of hard work, and more money than I care to think of, Oli has been taken from us, just months before the projected completion of his Mini. We had aimed to have it finished and road worthy in time for the Riviera Run, in May 2008.

Oli would often come round to my house, just as I was going to bed, and stay for hours, just chatting about his plans for the mini, it was such a personal thing to him, parts of it I liked, parts of it I didnt, but it all worked together to create Olis dream, which I intend to honour, in every last detail

Having spoken to Olis parents, we have agreed that I am going to take charge of the project, and ensure that his mini is finished exactly as Oli planned it.

Oli had already purchased almost all the parts, he just needs a few more small things to finish the car off, and a considerable amount of metal work by Matt Tupman, and finally, the painting of the car. I estimate we will need around �3000

Today, I went to the bank, and setup a new account in my name, specially for the mini fund. The account remains in my name because it was easiest to setup. Setting up an account totally seperate from my own would have involed letters, groups of people, and considerable time.

I have setup a savings account, complete with a solo card so we can mail order components should we need to. Once i recieve the solo card I will link the account to my paypal account, so funds can be transfered direct into the mini account.

Many people said in previous threads that they would be willing to donate some money to the finishing of Olis mini, so now is your chance guys! If just half the people who have replied to the threads gave �5, we could raise �2000.

So, to all those who feel touched by Olis work, all those who have taken ideas from his creative side, to all those who knew him, and all those who feel that finishing Olis mini is a worthwhile cause (I can think of no greater tribute to the life of a truly special person). Please help us in any way you can, to finish off Olis mini, and do him justice. It doesnt matter how much you can donate, give what you feel is right. Every pound helps, it really does, and if Oli has left even 10% of the lasting impression on you guys, as he has on me, I know you will help. I want to do right by my friend.

For those people wishing to make donations via paypal, please send funds to [email protected], I will link the new account to my paypal ASAP and transfer the funds direct.

For those with internet banking, who wish to transfer funds directly into the MINI account, the details are as follows:

*EDIT, please PM 'prawn' for details*

The account is under my name, so for all those wishing to donate by cheque, please make cheques payable to myself; Nick Vaughan, and send them to;

58, Empshott Road
Southsea
Hampshire
PO4 8BY

I will also arrange for a MINI FUND collection to be held at Olis funeral, so for all those able to attend, please see me next Friday.

All those wishing to show their support physically helping me in the building of this amazing car, I look forward to working with you.

Once again, thank you to everyone for all the incredible support you have shown. I look forward to working with many of you during the final stages of building Olis mini.

Thanks guys, i cant imagine getting through this without you all.

Regards

Nick

Edited by Prawn, 31 August 2008 - 07:53 PM.
bank account details removed

[TJenkos]

Can I ask what youre going to do with this mini when you finish it??

[blue redtop]

i will help out .
but i think that the mini should be sold after its fixed and all the money given to his mum.
thats just what i think

[Prawn]

Of course you can, We hope to finish the mini in time for riviera run next year, on which it will be driven by either myself, Or hopefully one of Olis parents. I hope to get the car magazine featured, as I believe it will be a truly special mini, worthy of national fame. I intend to make sure it is taken to all the shows, and spread the word of Olis life, and all the great things he did. Outside of the show season, Olis dad is VERY passionate about minis, he and oli did not spend much time together when Oli was young, and the car was always meant to be a way of bringing them together.

Olis dad Peter has funded much of the project so far, and we have spoken about how he very much looks forward to getting the car on track and using it how it was always meant to be used.

I can asure you that between myself, and Olis mother and father, the mini will get regular use, and I will make sure that it iis annually taken on the events that Oli loved so much. Outside the show season I will ensure it is cared for and used regularly to ensure it stays in perfect condition.

I will treat Olis mini with the same care and respect as I show my own.

Right now, I just want to finish Olis project, and complete the dream he has been chasing for so many years.

He also has s younger brother who could well stand to inherrit the car in years to come.

This mini will be used, and used properly. I will make sure of that.

I just want to do right my one of the best friends I ever had

[mini93]

this seems like such a fitting tribute, you should be very proud to take this on, i can tell it may not be easy at times, but sure oli could work through and no doubt that will power you through aswell

i would like nothing more than to see this at shows

pin striping on the sides of the car and olis name should be put on the car just so people will reconise it (especialy with all the minis about at shows)

[Southy]

Im just wondering how about we have a plaque made with all the names of people who contribute to finish off this project, be that either money or there own time, which can be displayed at shows along with the car that way people will know the impression that Oli made on people and the passion and love that people are willing to go too, to show how grateful they were to him?

[stardude]

this is such a good tribute.

i would be happy to help.

the plaque idea is also a very good one

adam

[mike.]

The plaque sounds great. I'd be proud to have my name on it!

I'll be making a donation tommorow after work!

[Jordie]

Small donation sent via Paypal.

Let us know how you get on, if you need any tools etc etc. We will all try to help out as we can.

[Holly]

i will be making a small donation after christmas when my student loan rolls in. I do hope it get finished and im usre it is what he would have wanted.

(not sure if you should put up the accont details though )

[Bungle]

i could ask about puting the mini on the cornish mini club stand at this years rivi run if you would like Prawn

[Prawn]

Thanks for everything guys! I will PM all the people who have made donations later on.

The plaque is a great idea actually, and would really show what a team effort finishing the car will be!

Holly: the bank details are fine to put on the web, as with them people can only pay money into the account, nothing can be withdrawn.

Thanks again guys for all your amazing support. I will keep you updated

[Silicon Skum]

I was just thinking about the plaque idea, and Oli's car..... what about adding a small, smart looking (black print on polished aluminium?) VIN / name plate type plaque onto the front panel cross member (the bit where the bonnet catch is) that just simply says "Oli" or his TMF user name? I had something similar on my car that said "Rebuilt by xxxxx Mini specialists" and look quite good on the car, I'm sure something with Oli's name that is nice and subtle would look good. Polished ally and black writing always looks smart.

Would be a nice way to mark the car as his.

Could also have his name proffesionally written on the rocker cover, but not sure if that would be too much (both cost and looks wise)?



I will be sending a donation to the fund shortly - though I might wait until after the christmas period.....mail has a habbit of getting lost at this time of year.

SS

[mike.]

Just made my donation. Good luck with the mini!

Will you be updating oil's project thread too so we can see the progress?

[Brawlyrox]

Topic pinned.

Good luck with this Nick you are doing a remarkable thing. I will donate via paypal when I can.
Anything I/TMF can help with let me know.
Nick