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The Barcelona banger
BARCELONA or bust! Pals Stuart Heslington and Garry Bletcher are getting ready to drive an old banger from Hillsborough in Sheffield to the arty Spanish city and back in just eight days.
The friends, both aged 37, aren't sure if their 1989 Volkswagen Scirocco will be up to the job of covering 2,500 miles - it's been standing idle and unloved for years.
But they've been working hard on getting the 20-year-old car, which cost just 175, up to scratch.
And they're determined to give the challenge for the British Heart Foundation - involving driving from Calais to Barcelona in the 'Barcelona Bangers' rally - a good go.
Stuart and Garry have spent months repairing the car, replacing engine parts, tyres and brakes on a shoestring.
And to make sure they make a real impact they've have even gone to the trouble of creating a Hawaiian theme, painting the car with palm trees and a parrot!
Dad-of-two Stuart, who works as a caretaker at Marlcliffe Primary School, was inspired to help the charity as he lost his dad Norman when he was just 43 to a heart attack.
"I heard about the challenge and it's an ideal way to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. I lost my dad to heart disease when I was young and wanted to help this charity save other lives at risk," said Stuart.
"I have completed the Sheffield half marathon in the past to raise money and this time we hope to raise 500."
Stuart and Garry became friends as 16-year-olds at college and are excited about the 'Hawaii Oh No' challenge ahead.
Stuart said: "The car's done 150,000 miles which is quite a way. It sounds more like a diesel than a petrol!
"There's quite a risk involved - it's a long way for an old banger. But it will be nice for the old car to go out with a bang rather than being taken to the scrapyard.
"The 'non runner' has stood for years and, after the 'Barcelona Bangers' event, we will drive home in it. You will see us coming as the car, like ourselves, will be kitted out in a very visible Hawaiian theme!"
Stuart and Gary will start the rally on Friday in Calais. Log on to www.justgiving.com/stuartheslington to sponsor them.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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