Stoltman Jeeps for Peace garden fundraiser inspires poignant annual tribute idea
A CHARITY fundraiser supporting an Easter Ross man’s epic road trip to help the Ukraine war effort has sparked plans for an annual event.
And poignantly, going forward, Ben Stoltman’s sunflower-centred garden event looks set to honour the memory of his late wife, Sheila, who inspired his planting of 8000 of her favourites at his Easter Kincraig home.
As previously reported, Ben (69), best known to many as Dad of the world’s strongest brothers, Tom and Luke, is preparing to drive one of his old trucks for humanitarian aid use on the frontline.
He is joining a Jeeps for Peace convoy which makes use of donated old trucks. He sets out from Easter Ross later this month.
His garden event aimed to raise funds for the charity and help fund his travel costs.
Mr Stoltman’s daughter, Jodie, who helped organise, said: “It was a lovely turnout, lots of old friends I have not seen in years came along as well as strangers. It was such a great atmosphere mam would have loved it.
“As a family we’ve decided to aim to repeat something similar annually in memory of my mam, ‘Sheil’s Sunflower Day’.”
In excess of £750 in cash donations were received and Ben’s sister, Karen, who was holding a soup lunch in Tongue the same day, raised £650. She will join him on the trip.
Ben said: “It was absolutely superb. There were people I have not seen in years. It was amazing. This one was for Jeeps for Peace but I think the next one will be in memory of Sheila and could be for an appropriate charity.”
His crowdfunding page can be found at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/driving-jeaps-for-peace-ukraine
