Screwball Rally challenge for mechanic Andy Branston

A mechanic will drive 2,500 miles in five days for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Andy Branston, 42, of Rowan Close, Bingham, will drive a 2002 E-Class Mercedes across Europe as part of the Screwball Rally.

The Mercedes, bought for £695, has already clocked just over 200,000 miles. Anyone taking part in the rally has to buy a car for less than £750.

Mr Branston, who is being sponsored by Nottingham restaurant Hooters and Yeung Sing Cantonese Restaurant, Bingham, is hoping to raise around £2,000 for the charity.

Last year, he completed the challenge in a Land Rover Freelander.

Mr Branston, a mechanic at Profile Motors, Leicester, said: “Anything could break at any time, but only one driver failed last year so I’m fairly confident it will make it.”

He said if there were any problems then the drivers supported each other to fix them.

“It’s a great get-together. It’s something that’s affordable. You go to places you have never been and you’re raising money for charity,” he said.

The start is in Calais, France. From there, the teams will drive to Basel, Switzerland; Linz, Austria; Prague, Czech Republic; and Hanover, Germany before heading back to Calais.

Mr Branston will take it in turns to drive with his team of Mr Richard Warren, of West Bridgford, Mr Tony Harris, of Milburn Grove, Bingham, and Mr Gordon Douglas, of Brewsters Close, Bingham.