Sorted. Deb returned to the road.
With many thanks to Deb for her understanding (and the offer of assistance which got us into that situation in the first place!)
What should have been a magical first day racing with my son, turned into a bit of a train wreck by all accounts - family emergency two hours into the race - but there will be other opportunities for us to do it properly. Thanks to Bob U for his understanding and concern as well - and thanks to the pillock who managed to turn his caravan over on the M40....that was just what I needed....