TWO best friends from Longbarn have taken part in a five-day rally to Benidorm to help raise money for St Rocco’s Hospice.
Nick Wheatley and Jordan Newton decided to take part in the Benidorm Banger Rally, which helps raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, last year.
But this year, when the duo decided to take part again, they chose a cause a little closer to home, and took part in aid of St Rocco’s.
“They’re built on people fundraising,” said Nick.
“It sounds cliché but they couldn’t do what they do without fundraisers, so we thought it would be good for us to help out as much as we could,” said Nick.
The friends put fundraising buckets in pubs and set up a GoFundMe, which has now raised £650.
The 27-year-olds began preparing for the rally by buying an old car to use for the journey, as those who take part use ‘bangers’ to take part.
Unfortunately, the first vehicle they bought broke down, and the pair had to find another.
Thankfully, the second car, a Ford Mondeo, worked perfectly and, decorated as a tank, the vehicle set off on Tuesday May 7.
Nick and Jordan raised money for St Rocco's Hospice (Image: Supplied)
The journey took five days to complete, and more than 50 cars took part this year.
“The only thing that was wrong with [the car] was when you put your foot down black smoke came out the back,” said Nick.
“I miss it to be honest, it’s a shame getting back in my van!”
Nick and Jordan still don’t know their fundraising total as the money collected in the buckets to yet to be counted, but estimate it is around £1,100.
“The goal was to get at least a thousand, so I’m made up,” said Nick.
The friends have no immediate plans to take part in another rally but hope they will again in the future and intend to raise money for St Rocco’s when they do.
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