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Some water has flowed under the bridge since we raised more than £12,000 as the 'Wacky Maces' for the Teenage Cancer Trust, Dumball-ing our way to rally glory around India last year. Now it’s Europe’s turn to feel the force.

Fielding two changes from the successful Indian team we are doing it all again. Last time out we were in a Mahindra Jeep. This year we get to choose the wheels. With a budget of just £500. Yes Guv'nor, that's Five Hundred Pounds Sterling.

It’s a bit like a Top Gear challenge. And you know that doesn’t always go very well. (especially seeing as we won't have a BBC support crew along with us!)

The Event

Last time we started in an Indian desert. This year it will be Margate’s seafront - specifically - Great Britains's premier traditional seaside experience...."Dreamland". From one extreme…

From Margate we set off on a 2,000+ mile hack across Europe, heading across La Manche before facing some less-frequented roads with their associated perils, challenges and frustrations in places like Montenegro, Kosovo and Albania, ending our journey on the island of Corfu. Quite what happens to the car at this point remains unclear.

On the way we expect to encounter breakdowns (mental and mechanical), mountains and quite a few potholes.  And all of it on the wrong side of the road.

Oh, and we have to do it all in fancy dress. Just, well, just because.

This year our fancy dress theme will be Thunderbirds. The car will be dressed up like Thunderbird 4. Its occupants, Scott, Virgil,..er….and the other two, attired in smart  International Rescue uniforms with contrasting sashes. Can't be forgetting the sashes.

As a reminder, the Dumball isn't a race. There are no prizes for finishing first. And as much as it may not seem like it, it is a test of Endurance. In last years event we were averaging 10-12 hours of driving per day. And I know some of you may be thinking that we will be having fun. This is probably true, for at least part of the time. But keep in mind that this is all for a great cause. And we have also already shelled out considerably more than the value of the car (each) for the privilege of taking part. And we’re all using up our leave entitlement and spending the better part of two weeks away from home and family. And it is likely the fancy dress attire will be 100% Polyester. P o l y e s t e r. To be worn in a vehicle in which the fan is likely to fail. In the middle of September. Sold?

So help us to beat last year’s total in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, which provides specialised nursing care and support to teenagers suffering the nightmare of cancer early in their lives.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.