The Yorkshire Mini enthusiasts taking part in Italian Job road trip to help families struggling in cost-of-living crisis

Ross, 55, and Jo, 53, of Huddersfield, have joined the ranks of 40 teams embarking on a nine-day, 3,000-mile road trip to raise funds for charity.

Inspired by the classic 1969 Michael Caine film of the same name, the ‘Italian Job’ driving adventure invites Mini owners and vintage car enthusiasts, affectionately called Jobbers, to traverse the a range of dramatic Italian landscapes, far from the touristy paths, visiting famous locations from the renowned movie.

The memorable journey, set to begin this year on October 6, is aimed at supporting families facing the harsh realities of the cost-of-living crisis, particularly children living in poverty.

Participants are encouraged to raise funds for Buttle UK, a charity dedicated to helping children and young people in the UK who have experienced crisis, are living in financial hardship and are dealing with multiple challenging social issues.

"The Italian Job is more than a driving holiday, or meeting with fellow Mini enthusiasts. It’s a family of people with a common cause, enjoying their Minis, taking in spectacular places, and by raising money for great causes, making a real difference,” Ross says. “We’ve made friends for life from the event and hope that either as participants or sponsors we can continue to part of this great community.”

Ross and Jo have taken part in four Italian Job events, with their initial expectation of it being a once-in-a-lifetime experience quickly surpassed. Their first trip in 1995 was followed by others in 1998, 1999 and again in 2019, each time in a different variation of Mini car.

“Being Jobbers is something that means a huge amount to us,” Ross says. “Our Italian Job history started in 1995 – as students we drove an old Mini. We had always wanted to take part in the Italian Job, but it was too daunting. That year, however, we decided to bite the bullet and go for it. Bertie - our pink and black mini - made the journey to Trento with minimal hiccups, and we became hooked.

“After several trips and a move from Glasgow to West Yorkshire, a trip to a classic car show brought us back in touch with Jobbers from yesteryear, and it didn’t take much to convince us to sign up again in 2019 after a 20-year gap.

"The event brought back all the memories of what a wonderful community the Mini world is, and we were delighted to be returning this year – for us a mixture of re-visiting places from the past and exploring new locations in Italy.”

Founded to support children in poverty in the UK, the Italian Job driving adventure has raised £3 million for charitable causes. To take part, visit www.italianjob.com