Mates in banger rally to Spain in memory of friend

Two friends will embark on a 2,000-mile journey (3,220km) from Birmingham, through Europe to Benidorm in an "old banger" in memory of their friend who passed away.

Simon Lewis, 57, from Gloucester, and Kevin Paskin, 53, from Worcester, are taking part in Benidorm Bangers charity road trip rally.

On Sunday, they will set off in a car they bought for £390, driving through five countries in the hope of raising money in memory of their good friend Terry Brazier.

Mr Paskin said: "Terry would have loved it - he was involved in planning the trip from the beginning. His passing was unexpected."

Terry Brazier died from a heart attack aged 59 in November.

"He was a very good friend," said Mr Lewis. "We both knew him through work, but also personally as well. We had holidays together."

The trio had met while working at Domestic Appliance Distributions and had known each other for nine years.

They had all planned to take part in the rally for a while before Terry died.

The Benidorm Bangers Rally is a five-day navigational challenge where participants drive from Birmingham, through Luxembourg, Switzerland, France, Andorra, and finish off in Benidorm, Spain.

In order to qualify, cars must cost £500 or less. Mr Lewis and Mr Paskin managed to buy a green Alfa Romeo for £390.

"We've made sure that the car is all safe and that everything is in good order," said Mr Lewis.

"We'll be gentle with it and it should make it."

They are raising money for Mr Brazier's chosen charity, Winston's Wish.

"We're also supporting St Richard's Hospice in Worcester," said Mr Paskin.

"They looked after my partner in her final hours six years ago, so it's a little thank you for that as well.

"We've been really surprised with people's generosity. We set ourselves a target of £1,000 and we're almost at £2,000," Mr Paskin added.

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.