A FUNKY Ford Focus and jazzed-up Jeep will be among around 80 cars driving through Europe this week, as a team of Northwich drivers raise money for brain tumour research.

The team of six – including brain tumour survivor Nathan Blundell – will take two cars across the Channel this Thursday morning, before covering almost 1,300 miles and four countries.

Suitably decorated in Brian Tumour Charity colours turquoise and maroon, adorned with stickers featuring the logo and generous Northwich sponsors, the cars will journey through Europe with the annual Screwball Rally.

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Nathan was diagnosed with a brain tumour in September 2014, and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy to beat the disease.

He said: “It’s a cause that means a lot to me, and I am now coming into my sixth year since diagnosis.

“Sadly from all the money Cancer Research receives only around two per cent goes towards brain tumour research. It’s really low, so every penny we can raise will go straight into that.”

The group missed out on entries last year and were sure to book their place as soon as possible.

One of the team – and sponsors – is Jonathan Yoxall of Northwich Metals.

He said: “We are leaving for Calais on Thursday morning, and then it’s onto Strasbourg, to Bern, to Morvan, to Luxembourg, to Belgium and back to Calais and Dover by Monday.

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“We’ll be camping at each stop with everyone else, so we are all prepared and ready, armed with our pop-up tents.

“My dad died of a brain tumour on Christmas Day in 1965, when I was three, so it’s very close to my heart.”

Previous charitable endeavours between the group involve sky dives, mountain climbs and more.

Nathan, whose dad is also taking part, said the Focus cost around £80 – far short of the £750 Screwball Rally limit.

He said: “It’s sprayed maroon and turquoise which are the charity colours. We have got stickers of the charity logo and all our Northwich sponsors – from estate agents to hairdressers and everything in between.

“It can’t come quick enough – it’s going to be really good. It’s really nice how everyone has come together to help – family, friends, donations and people I have bumped into around town.

“Everyone has been so kind and so generous, the money we have raised over the years is tremendous.”