A PAIR calling themselves Dead Men Walking are set to drive a 20-year-old hearse across Europe to raise cash.

Paul Markham and Alan Elford, of Sible Hedingham, will take on the 1,800 mile Screwball Rally in aid of The Smile of Arran Trust, a charity formed in the wake of Hedingham School pupil, Arran Tosh’s, death in 2014 from a brain tumour aged just 13.

The pair, aged 49 and 62, will drive through France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg over four days, starting on Thursday.

After purchasing the hearse for £750 and renovating the car to fit seats in the back Mr Markham is looking forward to seeing a few sites and raising money for a good cause.

He said: “Really, it is an excuse to go on a road trip around Europe, have a good laugh with a friend and raise some money for a good cause.

“It’s something I have never done before, and is a way to challenge ourselves. It will be brilliant, it is a lot of driving but I think we will enjoy it.”

The Dead Men Walking admitted not a lot of thought went into their theme, but the name became obvious once they purchased the hearse from a friend. The duo know biggest challenge comes in travelling in a 20-year-old car.

Mr Markham said: “Where the car only cost £750, there is the constant fear factor it may break down.

“I took it on a test run to Stockport and back, which is about 650 miles, but even then I was constantly listening to the engine and the gear changes. Most issues we should be able to fix on the road, you just hope the gear box doesn’t fail or something more serious.”

Like many residents, the pair feel a connection with the constant fundraising of Arran Tosh’s family.

Mr Markham added: “Everyone in the village knows of the Tosh family and their story.

“They are a truly lovely family and it is horrible what they have been through, but at the same time so much good has come from their fundraising,”

Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Deadmenwalking