At the time of this press release, the ’09 Pledge Fund Scheme to raise £1million is coming to £250,000, which, in the harsh economic climate, is staggering in the 8 weeks it has been active. 

Thankfully, due to the continued support of sponsors & supporters, it has been possible to extend the deadline of the Pledge scheme to the end of February, in the hope a wide spread publicity campaign will save her. 

It is continued promotion, not only to the Aviation community, but to the wider public beyond, that will be key to our success in reaching the £1million goal in such a short period of time. 

The Vulcan to the Sky Club is therefore pleased to announce:

The 24 hour Vulcan Scramble! – a race against time to save XH558 

Taking place on Sunday 22^nd February, father and son club members, Robert & Steven Lowe, from Newark on Trent, who conceived this idea, will be joined by Crew Chief Taff Stone, in one of the Vulcan to The Sky Teams’ Subaru 4×4 vehicles. The club is providing 100% logistical and promotional support. 

Starting in East Fortune with XM597 at 00.01 hours, the team will travel the length and breadth of the country, visiting all 15 existing Vulcan Airframes – hopefully within a 24 hour period. 

They will be joined on different legs by surprise guests and staged events to encourage them on their way. 

Fellow club members will be acting as coordinators at each location, liaising with the museums involved, creating a presence on the day to welcome the team, as they stop by to change drivers, snap a picture and carry on with their challenge. Supporters will help explain the event and our plight to all the visitors, backed up with promotional posters and leaflets explaining the Pledge fund and the many ways people can help save the aircraft. 

With 850+ miles to cover, 18 hour 50 minutes journey time, it only leaves 15 minutes spare at each location – and that does not allow for traffic. At all times, speed limits will be observed. It is the challenge and raising of public interest in XH558 that most appeals to the team. 

All locations have expressed fantastic support for this initiative and we would like to thank them for their encouragement and invaluable help, not only in the planning stage, but in the operation of this event. 

A dedicated page explaining the challenge and giving full details will be available soon off the main website www.vulcantothesky.com  Here, the time remaining, progress details and pledges or donations received, will be updated for all to see, together with links to partake in sponsoring of the event.