FOUR friends have set off on a wild and wacky fund-raising rally in aid of St Richard’s Hospice.

The Benidorm or Bust challenge is a 1,500-mile, Cannonball Run-themed road trip in old bangers from Blackpool to the Spanish coastal resort.

James Hunt, aged 43, and Paul Chamberlain, 38, both from Broadheath, near Worcester, are taking part in a Toyota MR2 they have named Flying Fathers, while Matthew Boulton, of Broadheath, and Zach Thompson, of Clifton-upon-Teme, both 23, have a Ford Fiesta they bought on eBay for less than £250.

Mr Chamberlain’s sister, Vicky, works as a health care assistant at the Worcester hospice’s in-patient unit and her work inspired them to enter the challenge, during which they hope to raise £2,500.

Mr Hunt said: “We have all been affected by cancer in some way among people we know. We’ve been stunned by the amount of money donated and want to say thank you to everyone who is supporting us.”