Two businessmen from Northern Ireland have embarked on an extraordinary journey, driving across continents in a blue Peugeot 207 named “Georgie” to fulfil a promise made to their late friend, Larry Blakely.
This ambitious expedition, dubbed “The Long Way to China,” is a heartfelt tribute to Larry, a Lurgan native with a passion for travel and exploration.
Before his passing, Larry asked his friend Davy Hanna to make a simple promise: “If I can’t make the journey — promise me you will.” Davy, without hesitation, accepted the request.
Joined by a mutual friend Jimmy Ray, the duo transformed Larry’s dream into a tangible mission. What began as a symbolic gesture evolved into a full-fledged expedition, fuelled by determination and a desire to honour Larry’s memory.
In a recent interview, Jimmy fondly recalls Larry; “Larry was a kind-hearted adventurer who loved to travel and explore. Driving to China was a dream for him — an idea that captured his imagination, though he knew he may never get the chance”.
The journey began with flights to England, where, against the odds, they secured “Georgie,” a 1.4cc Blue Peugeot 207, a mere hours before their departure.
The adventure officially commenced with a drive through the night to Folkestone, followed by a crossing from Dover to Calais. From the solemn memorials of Dunkirk to the battlefields of Belgium, and across the autobahns of Germany to the rain-soaked roads of Slovakia, each mile has deepened their connection to Larry’s spirit.
Jimmy continued, “when we started the first leg, we were driving, thinking we’d leave the car at the Ukraine border and wait years to keep going across the north. While driving, we thought about taking the long way to China, heading south and seeing way more countries, obstacles, and borders—something we hadn’t planned for or had the time for in one go.
“At that point, we decided to take the long way. It was still a personally funded adventure, with no thought of it becoming anything more.
“It’s funny because we are using contacts we have across the world to park Georgie. He’s been in storage, people’s driveways, public car parks -, we even stopped at a garage to ask if we could pay them to keep Georgie until we came back.
“I wouldn’t really say we have a plan in place – more we know what we want to do, but logistically we are probably winging it slightly” says Jimmy.
“Georgie, is now as much of the story as Larry, Davy or me. We’ve been getting support from different businesses. With graphics for Georgie, personalised t-shirts, and social media accounts, there’s going to be way more activity to share the journey with everyone”.
The self-proclaimed explorers have already crossed borders, shared stories, made new friends, and created lasting memories – all in a bid to live out a dream for a friend.
With many miles still ahead, their journey continues to inspire and captivate, proving that some promises transcend borders and time.
Today (Friday 18th July) marks to start of the second leg of the trip. Speaking to me from the Airport Jimmy says; “We’re at the airport again. Enroute to Krakow to start the next part of our journey to Bulgaria”.
Following an extensive road journey from England, crossing the English Channel by ferry into France, and traversing Belgium, Germany, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary.
“What began as a personal endeavour has transformed into a mission with a profound charitable purpose”.
This journey now aims to honour the memory of Larry by raising funds for Chest, Heart & Stroke and Mental Health Awareness, driven by a commitment to inspire others to fulfil their promises and demonstrate that obstacles are surmountable with purpose and perseverance.
“We didn’t set out on a fundraising mission, it was all about the promise made but we are delighted to be able to raise money for these two amazing charities”.
The shift occurred organically as support poured in from various sources. Messages, offers of assistance, and donations reflected a growing community rallying behind the cause. Notably, CIP Insurance Brokers based in Portadown, where Larry was a valued client, stepped forward with generous support along with two Lurgan based companies DGH Recovery and Select Catering as well as various other corporate sponsors.
In Larry’s name, the fundraising campaign is now underway, leveraging the collective goodwill and commitment of those touched by his life and the mission’s goals. This initiative seeks to amplify the impact, turning a personal journey into a powerful force for positive change – but above all, Friendship!
To donate to “The Long Way To China” click the image below
