Hi Celia,
I am on that trip. My first too. I live in Lympstone and am driving up to Gatwick on the 6th. I decided to book a hotel overnight as it is such an early start. I thought that way I will arrive less tired and stressed. If there is a way for you to meet me in Exeter on the 6th you would be very welcome to join me. Hopefully we could get you in to the same hotel where they will allow me to leave my car and drive us to the airport in the morning.
Please get in touch if you are interested in linking up.
Best wishes
Sue