TWO friends from Ellesmere Port have driven nearly 4,000 miles in a £100 banger to raise money for charities close to their hearts – and are now planning a third marathon fundraiser.

Charlie Powell, 41, and Richard ‘Dougie’ Douglas purchased their bargain Rover in October 2010 when they signed up for the ‘Scally Rally’ – a sponsored driving challenge around the coast of Ireland in which all cars must cost no more than £100.

Minibus driver Charlie, of Suffolk Avenue, Ellesmere Port, is raising funds for the Chester Childbirth Appeal – the charity that helped him through the loss of his first son Josh, who died shortly after birth.

Charlie, who has so far raised £1,200, said: “He would have been six in February. I wouldn’t fundraise for anyone else. That’s who I support.

“The family room they provide, where you can go to be away from the babies, is really important.”

Recalling their first expedition across Ireland, Charlie said: “We like doing stupid things. It was about 1,400 miles in four days, mainly mountain passes and coastal routes. So I thought ‘that’s stupid’. It’s just two local lads doing something a bit silly.

“You do about 250 miles a day, there are no motorways and you’re not allowed to speed. It was good to do, but it was hard work. The pot holes in Ireland did claim a few cars.”

The pair went on to tackle a further four-day banger rally in Germany last October, completing 2,500 miles in the Rover, nicknamed Reggie.

And the pair are now planning for the Scally Rally GB in June – and hoping their faithful four-wheeler will manage the 880 miles from Caernarfon to Fortwilliam, via Lytham St Annes, the Lake District and Ben Nevis.

Dougie has chosen to support Alder Hey Children’s Hospital with his driving feat.

The Chester Childbirth Appeal was founded by midwives in 1991 to provide facilities over and above those provided by the NHS at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Appeal director Pat Daniels said Charlie’s donation would help update the outdoor play area at the Countess.

She said: “I think it’s wonderful. I’m very grateful for their support.”

Charlie and Dougie thanked Les Currie Garage Ltd in Chester and A1 Auto Services, Ellesmere Port, for their help souping up the Rover.

For more information about the Chester Childbirth Appeal, visit chesterchildbirthappeal.org.uk.