THREE intrepid fund-raisers from Blackburn are preparing for a 1,500-mile rally to Barcelona – in a £200 car.

Mechanic Lee Harrison, 26, of Highercroft and unflappable friends Alban Horrocks, 26. and Paul Blackburn, 31, will spend five days cooped up in a J-reg Audi 80 trying to raise £5,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Lee was inspired to take part in the journey, which starts in Lille, Northern France, passes through Switzerland, Italy, Monte Carlo before finishing in Barcelona, because his grandmother has terminal lung and stomach cancer and his mum is in remission from lymphoid cancer.

He said: “It seems that everyone you speak to knows somebody with cancer.

“We want to raise as much money for the charity as we can and we’re hoping for businesses to sponsor sections of the car. They’ll be able to have their logo printed on the paintwork.”

The lads will be part of an organised charity ‘Barmy to Barcelona Wacky Race’ where only cars bought for under £250 are allowed to compete following a set course.

Lee said: “We picked the car up for £200 on eBay. It was an MOT failure and we’ve spend a lot of time working on it to make it roadworthy.

“It’s had new joints, leaks fixed, new tyres and new front brakes. We’ve also done a lot on it cosmetically. We’ve painted it a matt black with a pink and blue stripe and added a spoiler.

“I’ve spent eight years working for Volkswagen and I’m confident that this car is now bullet-proof! It will definitely make the journey.”

The rally starts on July 3. To sponsor the car or make a donation, visit the address below.