Seven set off for a week long drive to raise money for cancer hospital

A Chiswick man and six of his friends are setting off round Europe to raise money for one of the country's top cancer hospitals.

Their challenge was to buy a luxury car for under £500 and drive it through 12 countries in Europe in a week. Three teams, will set off on Friday 11th April and hope to raise up to £10,000.

The group includes Quentin Webb, of Ashbourne Grove, a Scout leader and cancer patient who was given under a year to live in October 2006. Thanks to some ground-breaking treatment, which he is still undergoing at Christie's Hospital, Manchester, he has survived against the odds. The drivers hope the cars will too.

The friends have bought a Jaguar Sovereign, a BMW 7 series and a Chevrolet Van and are working furiously on the vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy by the start date. They are sharing their scrapes and progress in a humorous blog at www.oneweekineurope.blogspot.com. Their route will include attempting a couple of laps on the Nurburgring in Germany on the way home.

"We wanted to do something fun and different to help cancer patients in the future. The team at Christie's has literally saved my life and are giving me the chance to see my young son grow up", says Quentin. "Many aren't as lucky and the need for further research is as great as ever. "

Currently, one in three people in the UK will contract cancer at some stage in their lives. Although survival rates are improving all the time, much remains unknown. The team at Christie's, led by Professor Robert Hawkins, continues to pioneer new treatments with some excellent results.

To sponsor the team, visit http://www.justgiving.com/european_odyssey

For more information, on the trip visit www.oneweekineurope.blogspot.com

For information on Quentin's amazing fight against kidney cancer, visit http://www.quentinwebb.blogspot.com.

April 8, 2008