A GROUP of friends are travelling across Europe in a wacky car rally this week in memory of a much-loved friend. 

Adam Bennett and Gareth Williams who are both from Charfield are taking part in this year’s Screwball Rally with friends Frazer Brown and Tony Benstead. 

The challenge will see the group travel through France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany and Denmark in just five days with 75 other teams. 

Their challenge is in honour of Derward Roberts from Berkeley who died at the age of 56 in 2013 after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. 

In preparation for the challenge, the team have dressed up a white Volvo estate in Ghostbusters theme with its own proton pack and hazard tape. 

They have launched a JustGiving fundraising page and have so far raised £1,555 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. 

The challenge started this morning, Wednesday, September 20 in Calais and is expected to finish on Monday, September 25.

Gazette Series: Gareth, Adam, Frazer with Derward’s widow Jayne and the Ghostbusters themed car for the challenge Gareth, Adam, Frazer with Derward’s widow Jayne and the Ghostbusters themed car for the challenge (Image: Adam Bennett)

Adam said: “We chose the Screwball rally as the maximum budget allowed for the car was £750 so it kept it fun and a real challenge. 
 
“We chose the ghostbusters theme this year as it suited the car, our old Volvo estate which will be on its third rally this year!

“Our target is £2,000 and we have hit more than 50 per cent already!”

You can view the team’s fundraiser here - tinyurl.com/56rk2uvf

Gazette Series: The challenge is in memory of Derward Roberts who died aged 56 - photo of Derward with his grandson LathamThe challenge is in memory of Derward Roberts who died aged 56 - photo of Derward with his grandson Latham (Image: Roberts family)