TWO of the exhibitors at the Pride of Longbridge will set off today (Monday) on a 3,500-mile trip to Benidorm to raise funds for two charities.
Harry Baker and Jordan Slack, who are from Leicestershire, will be taking on a the two-week European challenge in a Longbridge-built Rover 75 that they picked up for just £600 (pictured above).
This challenge will be part of the Benidorm or Bust rally. Over the fortnight, the pair will complete over 55 hours of driving through 10 different countries.
Among them will be England, France, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra and into Spain.
Harry told the Standard: “The idea to take on the challenge came to us after a few beers.
“Everyone we know thinks we are absolutely bonkers but they realise it is for two very good causes.”
The pair took the Rover 75 on a test drive to Skegness to ‘iron out any niggles’ and, whilst there, saw a Super Mario soft toy in a charity shop for £20. They fans of the plumber thought it would make the perfect lucky mascot – especially being Italian and that being one of the countries they would be visiting. So they bought it and the character has taken pride of place on top of the car.
The chosen charities
The pair chose Macmillan in memory of Jordan’s mum, Sharon Slack (Shaz), who sadly passed in 2011.
Macmillan provided Sharon and all her family with a wonderful amount of support throughout her battle with cancer.
Jordan said: “Sharon was the most supportive and loving wife, mum and Nana.
“She battled with breast cancer twice over a two year period while still being full of life. Even coming to rugby matches straight after treatment.
“She is still loved by all her family and relatives who will all have fond memories with them.”
The pair hand-picked the old Rover as a homage to a similar one she previously owned. And, ahead of their adventure, they decided to display it at Cofton Park at POL on Saturday.
The other charity selected – the Huntington’s Disease Association (HDA) – was to help raise cash to find a cure for this awful disease.
Huntington’s is a life limiting, genetic disorder that causes the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.
Harry’s uncle, Rob, was diagnosed with Huntington’s in 2016 at only 50 years of age.
He can no longer work and drive which has impacted his independence and mental wellbeing.
Huntington’s disease affects people in many ways such as movement disorders, cognitive conditions and mental health conditions.
Harry said: “There is currently no cure for this disease and we hope to raise some money to help fund research.
“If you haven’t heard of Huntington’s or would like to know more, please visit the HDA website.”
To find out more about the fund-raising and the challenge, click here.
Thanks for taking the time to read our page. Any donations small or large will be greatly appreciated. Any donations will be evenly split between the 2 charities. All the pair’s progress can be tracked at https://www.tiktok.com/@bxker98
