A GROUP of pals are gearing up to take on a 2,400-mile challenge in a £500 "banger" to raise money for Eden Valley Hospice. 

The Skinflint Rally - Barcelona or Bust! sees participants buy a cheap car and drive from the UK to Barcelona with hopes of the vehicle not giving up on them. 

Carl Bowe, one of seven who will be hitting the road, said: "A couple of the team members have had to rely on Eden Valley for their loved ones so it wasn’t a hard choice.

"We haven’t booked any flights home so we’re hoping the car will be taking us back as well.

"It’ll work out at around 2,500 miles. Hopefully, the car will last," he said. 

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So far, on a JustGiving page, the group has raised over £1,500 surpassing their initial goal of £500. 

Previously, the team successfully completed a similar rally along the North Coast 500 route to raise money for Cash for Kids. 

“The previous event, we made it around the whole route – granted with a few mechanical issues on the way.

"Then sod's law, we broke down just as we made it back to Carlisle," Carl said. 

Setting off on September 19, the car is hoping to make a three-day journey from Folkestone, through Le Mans, La Rochelle, Toulouse, Andorra, and finally Barcelona.

Which 'banger' has been chosen remains under wraps while it undergoes some final customisations.

The team plans to unveil their rally car at Mercedes Carlisle before the journey begins. 

Supporters can follow their progress and contribute to the cause via their JustGiving page: Skinflint Rally 2024.