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Basingstoke Couple Rev Up to Support Children’s Mental HealthKeith (69) and Jan Douglas (67), an adventurous couple from Chineham, Basingstoke, are gearing up for one of the UK’s most popular motoring charity events – the Italian Job Mile of MINI – returning to Oxford on Sunday, 26 April 2026.
The couple is calling on other MINI owners across Hampshire to join them for this long-running, family-friendly event, which welcomes both classic and modern MINI models. All proceeds will support children and young people facing mental health challenges.
Mental health support is particularly needed locally: around one in five young people in Hampshire is estimated to have a probable mental health problem – roughly 60,000–65,000 children and young people experiencing difficulties that affect daily life.
The Douglas’s will join 150 teams on a scenic, fun-filled day celebrating the iconic 1969 Michael Caine film The Italian Job. Participants – affectionately known as ‘Jobbers’ – will follow a specially designed route through Oxfordshire and South Warwickshire, guided by a bespoke Italian Job route book. The drive will finish at MINI UK Headquarters for awards, including recognition for the oldest MINI taking part.
For the first time, the 2026 event will raise awareness and funds for STOP.BREATHE.THINK, a pioneering charity providing online counselling and mental health support for children and young people aged 8–21. The charity offers six initial 50-minute online counselling sessions, wellbeing and crisis support, and a 24/7 text service, ensuring young people always have someone to talk to. Since 2020, STOP.BREATHE.THINK has delivered over 23,000 counselling sessions to young people in crisis across the UK.
Keith Douglas commented, “We're thrilled to be taking part in the Mile of Mini event. This cause is very close to our hearts, as we both volunteer with Basingstoke East Scouts, who work tirelessly to support local children and help them develop essential life skills. It's wonderful to be able to combine our love of the community with raising funds for children’s mental health."
Dan Keeley, Community Director at STOP.BREATHE.THINK, said:
"Partnering with the Italian Job means the world to us – not just because of the huge impact on thousands of young people who need counselling, but also because of the wonderful Italian Job community Freddie and Giulia have built. This new partnership feels meant to be, especially given our shared South Coast origins."
Freddie St. George, event organiser, added:
"We’re thrilled to have the Douglas on board helping us to support STOP.BREATHE.THINK. Mental health in childhood shapes confidence, opportunity, and future potential. If we can help even one young person feel heard, supported, and hopeful, every mile we drive will have been worth it."
Event Details & Registration:
• Date: Sunday, 26 April 2026
• Start: 9am, MINI Plant Oxford
• Entry: £28 per team (one MINI + two people) – includes breakfast, Italian Job baseball caps, official road book, car sticker, and fundraising pack. Additional passengers: £10 each.
• Sponsorship: Minimum £40 per team; all proceeds go to STOP.BREATHE.THINK.
Register at: italianjob.com/mile-of-minis/register-mile-of-minis
Support the Douglas family’s fundraising efforts by donating on their special event JustGiving page:https://www.justgiving.com/page/keith-douglas-289?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020
For over 36 years, Italian Job charity events have raised more than £3.3 million for children’s charities. The Mile of MINI is now in its 6th year and has raised a staggering £43,500 whilst continuing this proud tradition, combining community spirit, legendary cars, and fundraising with purpose.
Charity: www.stopbreathethink.org.uk
ENDS
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Event Venue
Mini Plant, Oxford, United Kingdom
Tickets
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