TWO friends who travelled 3,000 miles in a week in a £150 banger used their exploits to raise funds for Willowbrook Hospice.

Stuart Hickey, from Haydock, took part in a seven-day Boom Banger Rally with friend of 15 years Graham Thompson, of Widnes in April.

As the pair readied themselves to take on the Marrakesh Express route, they decided to collect sponsors to help make money for the hospice.

Taxi driver Stuart said: “It’s a place where everyone knows someone who has been there so we just wanted to help.”

The pair started the challenge in Reims, in France on April 13 covering 3,000 miles over seven days.

The route took them through France, before travelling to Barcelona via Andorra and the Pyrenees with further stops at Alicante and Gibraltar.

The pair then took a ferry to Morocco, drove to Marrakesh and then back to Spain.

They finally flew home from Malaga on April 19 after scrapping the banger.

Along their journey the friends completed daily challenges, including swimming in mountain lakes and photographing landmarks.

“It was hard work and we were lacking in sleep but it was fun,” added Stuart, 41.

Several businesses sponsored the pair including Roscoe Tyres, A to B Delta Taxis, St Helens Metal Recycling, W L Shotblast & Spray, KVS Vehicle Salvage, Vinyline Graphics, Wicked Tints, Ash Tree Care, Whittles Garage and Helter Skelter Tattoo.

They are still collecting funds and expect to take around £700 in total.

Send contributions to Willowbrook Hospice, Fundraising Office, 54/56 Claughton Street, St Helens, WA10 1SN.