It all seemed a good idea at the time...

Lets do a charity rally across Europe we said, it will be just like The Cannonball Run we said, evading cops in fast supercars, cruising at high speeds and growing moustaches to rival Burt...

Then we picked The Crumball Rally's 'Thundercrawl' event.  Based (very) loosely on a Bond theme, the idea is to drive through France, Switzerland & Italy from Calais to Venice in 72 hours - so far so good.

Then you find out that the route goes over the top of the alps on mountain roads you can only fit a size zero model down, most teams enjoy a spot of fancy dress and more importantly your chosen chariot to complete the event can only cost £200!

Yes that's right - £200 (not missing a '0' here honestly!) 

That's less than a radio controlled car (let alone a real one!), less than a budget washing machine and less than some people spend on a night out after Chester Races!  And we are expected to cover near 2000 miles in this thing!  Now its dawning that perhaps that 5th pint of Stella while discussing entering this rally wasn't the best idea I've had this year...

8 intrepid (stupid) explorers are venturing on the trip - Matt, Martyn, Rob & Ron and their respective beautiful WAG's Michelle, Caroline, Laura & Helen. 

We will be keeping everyone updated with our progress - our cars (we have one already - don't ask!), our preparations for the trip, our sponsorship, both personal and corporate, and blogs while we are driving along with numerous pics of us waiting for the RAC no doubt (the wonders of modern modem technology to bring you this as it happens)

Obviously the real reason behind all this is to provide some support for a worthy cause, and none worthier in our eyes that Cancer Research UK - all our participants have been affected by cancer in some way in their lives which makes it particularly relevant, and we therefore ask you to kindly sponsor us in our quest (which to be fair may only last about 40 miles...)

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Cancer Research UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor us all now - at the very least we guarantee you a laugh for your money!

Many thanks for your support.