Four intrepid local lads are on their way to Barcelona in a beaten up motor to raise money for The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
Now in Calais, the team are taking part in a ‘banger rally’, destination Barcelona (via Lyon and Nice) and although they say it’s just for fun, they’re aiming to raise at least £500 for the child protection society.
“Barcelona Bangers is an adventure with a difference,” says team member Daniel Ogden. “Imagine driving from Calais, cross country to Lyon, through the Alps and parts of the hairpin ridden Monte Carlo Rally. Then down to the coast for a lap of the Monaco Grandprix track before heading to our hotel in Nice.
“On the final day we drive though Andorra and over the Pyrenees and past the beautiful Montserrat mountain and then on to Barcelona on the Costa Dorada.
If that sounds fun, there is a catch. They have to make the run in a car worth less than £200 – which is what over 60 teams from across the country are hoping to do over the next few days.
“You’d be surprised what you can and can’t buy for this money,” says Daniel. “All costs will be coming out of our own pockets.”
Hard enough as it might be to get there in a car that old, the hope is that they will actually make it back in the same car – without having to scrap it and fly home.
“It could be spectacular, it could be a hitchhiking nightmare,” Daniel admits. “But it’s all a challenge and donations will go to a good cause.”
During the successful previous events participating teams have raised well over £100,000 in total for their local charities.
The team have set up a page on JustGiving to take donations and have now made their initial £500 target but further donations are welcome. The site’s a quick, easy and secure way to pledge and the most efficient way to sponsor them: the Anthony Nolan Trust gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
• Raising money for the NSPCC, which aims to make a difference for all children – by standing up for their rights, by listening to them, by helping them when they need it and by making them safe – you can make a donation to the lads via www.justgiving.com/mdmx
• The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
• The September 2010 event is now open and has a twist to it: they wont be finishing in Barcelona. For registrations, visit the Barcelona Bangers Official site