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Our Story

We’re Aaron, Jack and George – three mates who’ve been friends for 18 years.

With Jack and George both turning 30, we decided there was only one sensible way to celebrate… by buying a car for under £500. Introducing The Incredible £500 Panda – our bargain banger that’s been given a collective makeover and is about to attempt the ultimate challenge: driving all the way to Benidorm and back in just 7 days.

Why? Because we’re raising money for Help for Heroes, a charity that’s close to our hearts. Jack proudly served 10 years in the Royal Marines, and this challenge is our way of giving something back to those who have served our country.

The Rules

* Buy a car for under £500.

* No hotels – we’re sleeping in the car.

* Hit every checkpoint.

* Collect signatures and messages on the Panda from people we meet along the way.

* And most importantly… the car has to make it home!

The Route

Our adventure starts at the Rose & Crown, Fleet, before heading to Tower Bridge in London and then on to Dover for the ferry to Calais.

From there it’s straight to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, before taking on one of Europe’s most spectacular roads across the incredible Millau Viaduct.

Then comes the real challenge – climbing through the Pyrenees into Andorra. Will our £500 Panda make it up the mountain roads… or will we need a tow truck?

Tow truck? Not on Jack’s watch!

If we survive that, we’ll drop down to the Costa Brava, finally catch sight of the Mediterranean, and then make the big run south to Benidorm.

Making it to Benidorm is only half the challenge…

Then it’s time to turn around, escape Spain, head back through France, and somehow get ourselves – and hopefully the Panda – back to the Rose & Crown for a well-earned pint of Guinness.

For one night only, Jack and George are even giving up Pepsi Max!

Three drivers will be sharing the driving… although one of us is definitely better at drinking than driving, so don’t expect equal mileage!

There’ll be sweat, swearing, wrong turns, questionable navigation, breakdown scares, arguments, laughter, and memories that’ll last a lifetime. Whatever happens, every mile is for an incredible cause.

If you can spare a donation, no matter how big or small, you’ll be helping Help for Heroes continue supporting veterans and their families.

Follow our journey, cheer us on, and let’s find out whether a £500 Panda really can conquer Europe.