Four mates will rally across Europe in a disco-themed limousine for a charity in honour of their friend’s son who died from cancer.
Robert Topping, 36, and Nick Hobin, 37, from Wilmslow, Chris Smith, 53, from Alderley Edge, and Paul Mower, 32 from Altrincham, are taking part in the Dumball Rally which raises funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
The event, on May 23, will see 50 themed cars with dressed-up drivers rally thousands of miles from Brighton across to France, through Spain and into north Africa, completing various fun challenges along the way.
The funky foursome from Wilmslow will wear 70’s fancy dress and drive a Ford limousine, which they bought for £500 on eBay and have sprayed as a soul train-themed mobile disco.
The Dumball Rally was started by one of the team’s friends, Brian Horn, from Brighton, whose son Adam was just 19 when he died from leukaemia. Before Adam died the pair drove across Europe to Istanbul in an old banger.
After the trip Mr Horn came up with the idea to challenge teams to do the same in aid of charity and it became an annual event.
Robert Topping said: “Adam was a great lad and so brave considering what he went through. What happened to Adam was tragic and that’s the reason we’re doing the rally.
“It will be a great adventure but we’re driving for Adam and his family. The rally has gone from strength to strength and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the charity.
“We really are determined to raise funds and awareness for the charity as we have seen the great benefits it offers to those diagnosed with cancer.”
Since 2007, the Dumball Rally has raised more than £250,000 for the charity which creates specialist teenage cancer units.
Robert said: “We chose the soul train theme as we like the old soul legends and have turned the car into a mobile disco with sound system.
“We hope people will support us for such an important cause.”
The gang are hosting a charity night at Wilmslow Rugby Club on Saturday, May 10, at 7.30pm, with music from Liam McClair and Daisy Kate, a DJ, auction, raffle and surprise guests.
Visit justgiving.com/soultraindumball.
