A SENIOR Christies manager, from Crewe, is hoping to drive-up support for the world-leading cancer centre.

Ian Moston, 44 and director of finance at The Christie, will set out on 200-mile drive across Europe, in September, in a bid to raise much needed funds for the hospital.

Jenny Haskey, fundraiser for The Christie, said: “The rally sounds exciting but very gruelling so we can’t thank Ian and his friends enough for taking on the challenge.

“The money raised from the sponsorship packages will help support our quest to make cancer a thing of the past.”

The route, called the Motoscape Rally, will see Ian and pals, John Wiss, 43, and Owen Hussey, 44, wind their way through seven countries including France, Germany and Switzerland, and take on the giant Stelvio Pass in Italy, before finishing the gruelling drive in Prague.

Described as the ‘ultimate banger rally experience’ the rules state that participants must buy a ‘banger’ for no more than £250.

Having purchased a 1995 Mercedes 220 for £250 for the rally, the trio are now offering local businesses the chance to advertise their logo on the car, with proceeds from the sponsorship going to The Christie.

Ian, who has been a dedicated supporter of the charity since joining The Christie five years ago, said: “I’m really looking forward to the rally and am hoping to raise as much as I can for The Christie.

“Every year we treat 40,000 patients and constantly research new and effective ways to treat cancer.

“Being able to contribute to this process in both a professional and personal capacity is a big honour.”

There are various sponsorship opportunities available for businesses.

For more information contact Jenny Haskey, head of corporate fundraising at sporting events at the Christie, on 0161 446 3424 or email jenny.haskey@christie.nhs.uk.

If you would like to sponsor Ian and his friends for the car rally, please visit www.justgiving.com/The-3-Musketeers.