Four friends at an agricultural machinery makers at Bury St Edmunds are gearing up for a marathon charity ride across Europe in memory of a former colleague.

Patrick Wells died suddenly from a heart attack in August 2017 at the age of 62 after working for CLAAS MANNS at Saxham since 1971.

Thomas Spiering, Richard Vaughan, Paul Butcher and chief executive Trevor Tyrrell CEO will be attempting to cover 2,000 miles in just 48 hours on the anniversary of his death to raise £10,000 for the British Heart Foundation, which researches heart disease.

The four, who will launch their bid at the Suffolk Show, will drive a 16-year old London Black Cab Taxi from Saxham to Monte Carlo and back.

“It would mean the world to us to meet our target,” said Trevor. “Everyone is behind it, and this event, on the anniversary of Patrick’s passing, will be very relevant to us all at such a sad time.”

Patrick was a very young 62, fit and healthy and looking forward to retirement with his children and grandchildren, he said.

“Everyone was really shocked at his passing, it was really unexpected and it made everyone realise the fragility of our lives. Our employees choose the British Heart Foundation as our charity of the year in conjunction with Patrick’s family,” he said.

“Driving all day and night to the south of France at 60mph without air conditioning will be interesting, but the toughest part will be coaxing Little Nellie to climb the Alps between Italy and Switzerland - we may need some rocket fuel to give her a boost, or some french wine for us in case we have to push.”

Dawne Hart, fundraising manager for the British Heart Foundation, said: “The team at CLAAS UK have set themselves a really tough and exciting challenge, and a fitting way to remember their colleague.

“Heart conditions affect thousands of people in the UK, and every contribution, big or small, plays a crucial part in helping to bring the next lifesaving breakthrough closer.

“Every pound raised by this event will be used to help fund new ways to help treat, prevent and cure heart conditions.”

Heart and circulatory disease causes more than a quarter (26%) of all deaths in the UK. On average 420 people die each day from the condition. The BHF is the UK’s leading independent funder of cardiovascular research aimed at improving the treatment of heart conditions.

People can make a donation to CLAAS UK’s Monte Carlo or bust road trip at justgiving.com/fundraising/claas-fundraising-montecarlo