Seventeen 'bangers' in 750‑mile drive for hospice

Seventeen cars bought for £750 or less are being driven 750 miles through England and Wales to raise money for the Phyllis Tuckwell hospice.

The charity provides services for patients in Surrey and Hampshire, and all money raised will go directly towards its specialist care.

The Ewshot 750 Banger Challenge will see motorists set off from Ewshot, in Hampshire, on 16 April.

It has been organised by Brendan Cox whose family members were cared for at the hospice, which has sites in Farnham, Camberley and Guildford.

Cox said many of those taking part had also had family members or friends supported by the charity.

"Personally, the mother of my two eldest children and both my parents-in-law spent their final days in the hospice," he said.

"Our entire family will be forever grateful for the compassion and support shown to us during such a challenging time."

He said the challenge had been set up to "shun" motorways, and instead take the drivers through scenic routes, country lanes and mountain passes, with a visit to the Farmer's Dog - the pub in Burford, Oxfordshire, run by former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson.

Participants have been encouraged to decorate their cars to create a festival atmosphere.

Cox said: "Some of our drivers have selected well-built, older vehicles with a reputation for reliability, while others seem to have deliberately chosen the quirkiest, most underdog machines they can find.

"It's a celebration of motoring mischief, camaraderie, and the undying spirit of adventure on four wheels - all for an important local cause."

The route takes drivers through the Cotswolds to Wales, on to Morecambe Bay, Harrogate and up to Melton Mowbray, before returning through Leicester and Stratford-upon-Avon, back to Ewshot.

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