A Leigh man who has battled cancer is joining two friends to raise thousands of pounds for charity by driving 1,700 miles around Europe in a car worth less than £750.

Following the rules and spirit of the Screwball Rally, Ray Holmes, from Leigh, and his pals Lee Moscrop, from Tillingham, and Paul Mendela, from Brighton, will be setting off on Tuesday in an Audi Coupe V6.

Their journey will see them travelling through Dijon, in France, Turin, in Italy, and Munich and Frankfurt, in Germany, before heading home through Calais, on the French coast, as part of the set route of the Screwball rally.

They are paying for the trip themselves, including £725 for the car, and are hoping their efforts will inspire others to donate to their four chosen charities.

They are the Willow Foundation, NSPCC, Cancer Research UK and the oncology department at Southend Hos-pital.

Ray was diagnosed with testicular cancer last year and is now in remission.

He said: “I never really thought about raising funds myself until I was diagnosed with testicular cancer in June. Thanks to Southend Hospital oncology department, I’ve been in remission now since September. I’ll be forever in their debt.

“Through experience, I know the generosity of others makes a difference. Now it’s time to do my bit.”

The group has already received donations totalling more than £6,000, including Gift Aid.

To follow their progress or to find out more about the trip, the charities and to donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LPR-fundraising