Ref. 73092-28SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: CHARITY fundraisers are said to go the distance when it comes to making money for a good cause.

But friends Stuart Hepburn and Mick Berry are taking that 3,800 miles further to be exact.

Stuart, 42 and Mick, 45, who are from Blunsdon, are preparing their 1983-Volvo 245 with 230,000 miles on the clock for the 3,800 mile long, Plymouth to Dakar Challenge.

They bought the car in Stockholm for just £70 and drove it back to Swindon where it is currently languishing in a field.

Next February, the car will be loaded up for the long trip, which will take the team, nicknamed the Blunsdon Banshees from the UK through France, Spain, Morocco, Western Sahara, Senegal, the Gambia and Mauritania in 21 to 24 days.

The trip will take them through harsh desert terrain and some of the poorest countries in the world.

They will be raising money for the Macmillan Swindon Cancer Appeal as well as the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton and the Chalet School.

Mr Hepburn said: "It's the first time either of us have ever done this.

"I think it comes from being a lad and seeing the excitement of rally driving, there is also that bit of Samaritan in us both."

"Macmillan is a charity of particular importance to us, we all know someone touched in some way by cancer."

One of the rules of the challenge is that the vehicle they use must cost less than £100.

"The ideal vehicle for this challenge would have been something like a Land Rover, but we have an old Volvo."

The car was bought in Sweden where they drive left-hand drive cars, as right-hand vehicles are not permitted in Senegal.

The car had rusty doors, but replacements have been donated by a local Volvo dealer, while other firms have donated camping equipment.

They have also received donations from their employers as well as money for petrol and airline tickets home.

"The Volvo won't be coming back with us," said Stuart.

"We will be auctioning the car for local charity."

Anthony Osborne