MARLIN Sports Cars of Crediton will be holding an Open Day on Saturday, September 5, from 11am to 4pm to celebrate the life and achievements of former managing director, Mark Matthews.

The celebration event will raise money for AMMF (The Alan Morement Memorial Fund), the only charity which supports those suffering from a rare type of liver cancer Cholangiocarcinoma, occurring within the bile duct, and the local Devon charity, Hospiscare.

Mark sadly died after suffering from Cholangiocarcinoma and Terry, Mark’s wife, wants to be able to thank both of the charities for all their support they gave as she says she would never have been able to have coped without them.

This will be the first time the Marlin Cars factory has been open to the public since moving from Crediton to Trobridge, near Crediton, more than seven years ago.

There will be a chance to get a look at Marlin’s range of hand-built British sports cars, the Sportster, EXi and their championship leading "Avatar One" race car as well as a collection of Marlin owners cars dating back to the early 1990’s.

Events on the day will include Marlin Cars Judged Concourse, Andrei Burton trials bike display team and a chance to try your hand at Clay Pigeon Shooting and Archery.

There will be a Remote Control Car Time Attack Challenge ("Top Gear" style).

Fete style games include Bash the Rat, Balls in the Bucket, Darts, Lucky Box, Bar Skittles and many more.

There will be a barbecue, hog roast, beer tent, tea, coffee and cake stall and live music.

There will be a children’s area with a Disco bouncy castle, Army assault course, face painting, craft table, sand pit, football, games, etc.

Terry said that remembering Mark, who passed away in April 2014, will be a key focus of the day, as well as a chance to admire the exceptional cars.

She explained: "Mark always felt it wouldn’t get him and with true grit and determination he managed to survive for 18 months (despite being at stage four and given only just months when first diagnosed), which eventually lead to him leaving behind the wonderful ’Avatar One’ racing car, Mark’s legacy which will also be on display in all its glory."

Terry is creating, with help from friends and family, a memorial area where people can take along something that reminds them of Mark.

Laughing Terry said: “I am expecting all sorts to be brought along and left there including bits of engines, motor bikes or maybe just some weird and wonderful plants.”

She went on to say: “Mark loved nature and often said he only found time to truly listen to the birds and smell the flowers when he got ill.”

Terry hopes this will be an area that people can go and sit in when they are visiting, which will make them feel closer to nature and Mark.

Marlin also have a charity auction running live with some fantastic and rare lots available such as tickets to sell out events Goodwood Revival, Car Fest South, plus much sought-after F1 Silverstone tickets.

There are also many items donated by local businesses and Marlin suppliers.

Take a look at the website: www.avatarsportscars.co.uk/marksauction .

Terry concluded: "This is going to be an amazing fun day out for everyone and we want as many people to come as possible.

"To help us with numbers we really would like everyone who is coming to confirm their attendance via our "Facebook" page: www.facebook.com/events/1413499055639833/ ."