At Orvis Builders, we’re passionate about building more than beautiful homes – we believe in building stronger communities too.
Amanda & Andy Complete the Pistons to Places Challenge
That’s why we’re incredibly proud to share that Amanda and Andy have successfully completed the incredible ‘Pistons to Places’ charity challenge, driving from St Ives to Pisa and back in just four days in a 1998 MGF worth less than £1,000!
Covering more than 2,300 miles across Europe, the challenge wasn’t simply a road trip. It was an endurance test filled with long days, late nights, mountain roads, soaring temperatures, and plenty of uncertainty about whether a 28-year-old sports car would make it home.
Thankfully, after an unforgettable adventure, both the car and the team crossed the finish line safely.
A Challenge with a Purpose
Pistons to Places was created to raise money for Little Miracles, a fantastic charity supporting children with disabilities, additional needs and life-limiting conditions, along with their families. Every participating team purchased or built a car costing no more than £1,000 before setting off on the epic journey from Cambridgeshire to Italy and back.
The rally is about much more than reaching Pisa. It’s about teamwork, determination, making memories and, most importantly, changing lives through fundraising.
We’re delighted to see that the event has already raised an incredible £75,000, with donations continuing to come in for this amazing cause.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Amanda and Andy would like to say a huge thank you to every business that supported their journey by sponsoring the rally car:
Holmes Architecture & Planning Ltd
From the large bonnet logos to the smaller decals around the MGF, every sponsor helped make the challenge possible while raising awareness for Little Miracles throughout the trip across France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria and Italy.
Your generosity, encouragement and messages of support throughout the weekend meant a great deal.
Determination That Mirrors Our Work
At Orvis Builders, builders in Bury St Edmunds, we know that successful projects require planning, teamwork, problem-solving and determination.
Those same qualities were needed throughout this rally.
Before Amanda and Andy had even crossed the Channel, their 1998 MGF suffered a major alternator failure at Dover, leaving them stranded for almost 10 hours while a replacement was sourced and fitted. Rather than admitting defeat, they were determined to continue. Once the repair was complete, they caught the next ferry to Calais and drove through the night on very little sleep to catch up with the rest of the rally, refusing to let the setback end their fundraising challenge.
That determination continued throughout the journey, as they navigated more than 2,300 miles of European roads, soaring temperatures and the inevitable challenges of driving a 28-year-old sports car across six countries.
The resilience, teamwork and “never give up” attitude they showed throughout the challenge are the same qualities we bring to every extension, renovation and new build project we undertake. Whether we’re overcoming unexpected challenges on site or helping clients achieve their dream home, we’re committed to finding solutions and delivering the best possible outcome.
It’s that determination to keep moving forward that makes a real difference, both on the road and on site.
Thank You for Supporting an Amazing Cause
Everyone at Orvis Builders would like to thank everyone who donated, shared social media posts, sponsored the car or simply cheered Amanda and Andy on from home.
Community has always been at the heart of what we do, and it has been wonderful to see so many local businesses and supporters come together to back such a worthwhile cause.
Little Miracles provides invaluable support to families when they need it most, and we’re proud to have played a small part in helping the charity continue its incredible work.
It’s not too late to donate –
Looking Ahead
The rally may be over, but the memories will last a lifetime.
After four unforgettable days, countless laughs, plenty of fuel stops and one very determined little MGF, Amanda and Andy are safely home and incredibly proud to have completed one of the toughest charity adventures they’ve ever taken on.
From everyone at Orvis Builders, thank you for following the journey, supporting the fundraising and proving once again what can be achieved when a community comes together.
It is never to late to donate to this wonderful charity>>
For Bury St Edmunds Builders and many other areas covered please contact Miles>>
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