Two Manningtree petrol heads are taking on a 190 banger car rally from Dover to Benidorm in aid of the NSPCC Colchester Business Group.
Matt Cackett, 43, and Thomas West, 33, both from Manningtree, are competing in the Benidorm or Bust Banger Rally this week to raise vital funds for the NSPCC.
The fundraising pair hope to raise over £2,000 as they attempt to drive a beaten-up 1988 Nissan 300zx to Benidorm between Wednesday and Saturday, all in aid of NSPCC Colchester Business Group.
The car in which they aim to complete the feat was bought from a former Ignition band member and was used on the cover of Love Is War album cover.
Thomas, award-winning landlord of Manningtree’s oldest pub, the Red Lion, said: “It’s a real pleasure to be able to take part in such a fun challenge while raising money to make sure every child gets the childhood they deserve.
“When it comes to whether the car will make it to Dover, let alone Benidorm, all bets are definitely off.”
The long-standing rally is a mash-up of Wacky Races and the Gumball Rally, with 190 bangers from across the UK setting off from Dover and undergoing a series of challenges en route to the tourist resort of Benidorm, in Spain.
Matt, owner of Manningtree Barber Shop, added: “I can’t resist a challenge and nursing this old motor over to Spain will certainly be one.
“To do it all for the NSPCC makes the trip so worthwhile and something we will be immensely proud of, but getting it back in one piece will be the real test.”
The challenge kicks off with a ferry ride from Dover to Calais before a five-hour drive to Rouen.
A challenging second day will see the vehicles make a six hour drive down the west coast of France.
The third day will see the cars tested to a run around the former F1 racing track at Pau before a drive over the Pyrenees to Zaragoza.
The final stint on the last day will be a race to Benidorm, where the challenge ends.
For more information about Matt and Thomas’s challenge and to donate visit their Just Giving page.
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