A DUO from Crewe plan to drive across Europe, covering 12 countries in 7 days, in a 17-year-old car bought for just £333.

Greg Bolshaw and friend Nigel Hulse will set off on their 3,000 mile journey on Saturday, September 1.

They are taking part in the Motoscape Banger Rally to raise funds for their chosen charity, Action Medical Research, a UK-wide medical research charity dedicated to helping babies and children.

“Friends of mine sadly lost their newborn son, Grayson, to a disease called Necrotising Enterocolitis. He was only 7 days old”, explained Nigel. “As a tribute, we have decided to name our team in his memory.”

Team Grayson has so far raised over £3,000. Greg and Nigel are funding the rally themselves to ensure that 100 per cent of the money raised goes to charity.

The rally starts in Saint-Omer, France and takes in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria en route to the finish line in Prague, Czech Republic.

The two friends will then drive a further 1,000 miles home, as they intend to auction the car when they get back and donate the proceeds to the charity.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from local businesses and national companies alike. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has sponsored us so far,” said Greg.

He added: “Grosvenor Garage, Crewe has serviced, MOT’d and prepared the car for the rally free of charge.

“Autoglass has replaced our cracked windscreen and donated £500, and local etyres franchisee, Christian Jones, has donated a new tyre.”

You can follow Team Grayson’s progress at www.facebook.com/TeamGraysonRally 

to donate: www.action.org.uk/sponsor/TeamGraysonRally