Gamers Go the Distance

24-Hour Sim Race Raises over £12,500 for MS Research and Relief Fund

A unique 24-hour sim racing event has raised an incredible £12,536 in support of MS Research and Relief Fund (MSRRF) — The event, known as the Basic24, took place on the iRacing platform, where competitors took on a grueling solo 24-hour endurance challenge — complete with compulsory pitstop breaks and fun “donation-driven penalties”.

Led by Andrew Dawson, alongside Head Organiser James Hough and YouTuber Basic Ollie, it's the first online fundraising event of its kind for the charity. 

The Basic24 is now in its third year, growing from a small idea between friends into a major community fundraiser and 2025 marked its most successful year yet. Basic Ollie (Oliver Furnell), a full-time YouTuber and sim racing streamer, hosted the event on his popular channel. The stream featured commentary, interviews, and live leaderboards — with drivers even designing custom MSRRF-themed race car liveries to raise awareness. This year’s race was live-streamed across YouTube and Twitch, drawing in thousands of viewers worldwide. Supporters could donate through JustGiving, triggering real-time in-race challenges such as singing, dad jokes, or on-screen forfeits. 

The event was extremely challenging, with 60 drivers starting the race, 31 finished. The first 12 hours were fairly smooth sailing for most drivers, however some dropped out with technical difficulties while others retired through the early hours in the morning. Marijn Slaats was awarded as the winner of the Basic24 with an impressive gap to 2nd place of just over 4 minutes. 

The charity was nominated by Andrew Dawson, whose mother, Judith, lives with multiple sclerosis. As a regular user of both Benmar House and The Pashler Physiotherapy Centre, her journey inspired Andrew to choose MSRRF, a North East charity dedicated to improving the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis. MSRRF provides free access to physiotherapy, exercise sessions, complementary therapies and more; helping individuals maintain independence, mobility, and improve mental wellbeing. 

Andrew Dawson, commented "Over the years, we’ve built a close-knit community through sim racing. A community that supports each other both on and off the track. Choosing MSRRF is our way of showing that support where it truly matters. Having been directly affected by multiple sclerosis through my mum's experience, I truly understand the wonderful work that this charity does". 

“We are blown away by the generosity and creativity behind this event,” said Diane Charlton, Charity Manager. “Andrew's story and Ollie’s platform brought our cause to thousands of new supporters. The £12,536 raised will make a real difference to people living with MS.” 

MSRRF receives no statutory funding and relies entirely on donations, grants, and community fundraising to keep its services free. The charity is always looking to work with individuals, groups, and businesses across the North East who want to make a difference.