Home to Rome: friends take on 3,000-mile run from North Wales in clapped-out cars

Ten madcap motorists are attempting to drive from North Wales to the capital of Italy in cars that cost under £1,000.

Calling it the Home To Rome challenge, the ten friends will set off in four cars from Llandudno on Friday May 30th and are hoping to reach the world famous Colesium and return home in only eight days.

The friends who are a garage owner, mechanics, shop owners and a window cleaner are all raising money with their Top Gear-style challenge for Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospice in the Conwy Valley.

Speaking for the lads, Martin Krol of LCR Motors in Craig-y-Don explained why they’re taking on the 3,000 mile challenge: “Tŷ Gobaith is just the most heartfelt charity.

“It’s a beautiful place and a couple of our partners work there, so we have first-hand insight into the amazing work they do for local children and families.

“Our only rules were that the cars must cost under £1,000 or be over 25 years old.

“We’ve had to do a lot of repairs already.

“We’ll certainly be taking our tool kits and spare tyres!”

With wacky names like Pink Panther, Noah’s Ark, Cecil and even a Volvo called Veronica, the team certainly have a sense of humour and are optimistic about their chances of success.

Martin continued: “Anything can happen out on the road and things could get a little cosy if we lose a car.

“The Swiss Alps will be the toughest part as the roads are steep, narrow and winding.”

They have already raised £2,500 before setting off and are hoping their antics will bring in even more for the charity.

To top up the funds, all cars that return home will be auctioned off and added to their total.

They will follow a route down to Dover, across to Béthune in France, to Stuttgart in Germany, over the Swiss Alps and finally to Rome where they hope to get a photo at the Colesium.

Tŷ Gobaith area fundraiser, Sian Golding is supporting the lads on their drive and said: “I absolutely love this challenge, they’re such a great bunch and have the right attitude.

“Everybody at the hospice is right behind them and can’t wait to hear updates from their trip.

“They’ve already raised a fantastic amount which will go directly to fund the care of local children and families living with a life-threatening condition.

“All the care we provide is free from the point of diagnosis and we rely on fundraising like this for 10 of the 12 months in a year.

“Good luck guys and thank you so much.”

They have been kindly sponsored on their journey by Craig-y-Don Printing who provided their car stickers and t-shirts and Steve Jackson from Snap-On Tools who has helped-out with kit.

You can sponsor the team here.