“The Lap of Honour is more than just a fundraising event for the Charity or a focal point to mark 10 years serving the Armed Forces. It is a celebration of the British link between companies, eminent icons and serving personnel. The very act of demonstrating support will send a clear message of solidarity to those on the frontline, which will in itself be a significant boost to their morale.”
BFF Director, Mark Cann.

The British Forces Foundation launched its Lap of Honour project in June 2008. Fronted by BFF Trustee Katherine Jenkins, the project marks the charity’s 10th anniversary year.

The new vehicle – complete with a Union Jack roof and with the license plate GB08 BFF – travelled around the country getting 50 British icons to autograph the car with 40 British companies also lending their support. There have also been prominent displays in various locations that have included Mini Park Lane, The National Motor Museum and The Royal Automobile Club’s historic Pall Mall atrium. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Drum Horses even met up at Wellington Arch, in full ceremonial regalia, to create a photograph that was not only memorable but also drew attention to the purpose Lap of Honour was intended to serve – boosting the moral of our Armed Forces.

The full list of British icons represents the British elite in all spheres. The group includes Sir Michael Caine, Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Elton John, Rod Stewart, Lewis Hamilton, Kate Moss, Joe Calzaghe, David Beckham, Baroness Thatcher, Eric Clapton, Joanna Lumley and Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who signed outside 10 Downing Street. Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May also signed up during filming at the programme’s test track in Surrey.

To mention just a few of the memorable events – Sir Elton John signed moments before launching himself on stage at the 02Arena, Kate Moss signed the car in her off-street parking and the album by her Christmas tree after a day spent dodging the paparazzi, Jeremy Paxman berated a traffic warden as they simultaneously signed and ticketed the car respectively (the latter was later contested and cancelled) and there is a slight impression on the Union Jack roof left by Sienna Miller’s bottom when she jumped up for a photograph.

Essentially a good news story Lap of Honour has been, even by The BFF’s standards, an extraordinary undertaking. Thanks to company backing the campaign currently stands firmly in the black and a number of the icons involved – David Walliams, Sir Michael Parkinson, Rory Bremner, Sir Phillip Green, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Johnny Vaughan and Frederick Forsyth – have all gone on to support the Charity further in this the 10th anniversary year. Keep an eye on the new web-site for a final auction announcement and do not rule out one or two more major signings if the right icons come knocking on the door.

To find out more – visit www.lapofhonour.org.uk or call Ben Vestey on 01672 564 911.

JOIN THE PARADE BY SIGNING UP YOUR COMPANY TO LAP OF HONOUR FOR JUST £1,000.

e-mail benvestey@bff.org.uk to include your company logo & support.