A TRIO of best mates are to test a car and their friendship to their limits during a mammoth rally race in aid of Halstead Hospital.

Olly Clapp, Joe Dixey and Andy Hunt, all 26 and from Halstead, are taking on the Two Ball Rally this August.

Each team must travel 1,500 miles across nine European countries in a car costing no more than £600.

The Three Rocketeers, as they’ve named themselves, are hoping to raise at least £1,500 for The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital.

Graphic designer Olly said: “In the past I have run marathons for charity but I wanted to do something different, We thought we would put our heads together and came up with the idea.

“Me and Joe are both into cars and so the idea appealed to us straight away. Andy likes travelling and he is better at the admin and planning side of things.

“We got in touch with the friends and asked if we could fundraise for them and they pretty much bit our arm off.”

The trio purchased a 2002 Honda Accord with 107,000 miles on the clock that they spotted on a farm in Felsted.

The ‘banger’ cost them just £560 and they’ve grown so attached they’ve already given it a name — Hondamoon.

Olly said: “It has got an MOT so we haven’t got too many mechanical worries.

“Getting into it was difficult to start with as none of the door handles wanted to open.

“The suspension is creakier than a barn door and the windows have been stuck shut but we are working to get them open.

“Part of the magic of it is that there is a risk of something going wrong.”

The route will take them through the Alps, along the famous Stelvia Pass, past Lake Como, through the Black Forest and across some of the most stunning scenery in Europe.

Olly said: “We get hills in Essex but we do not get mountains around lakes. The fact we get to see that whilst raising money for charity really gets my juices going.

“We are having a few problems with the car at the moment but nothing too worrying.

“I do think it will challenge, it would be difficult for most cars and this is 15-years-old. I am thoroughly excited about it to be honest and if something does go wrong that is part of the fun.”

The lads are offering businesses the chance to sponsor them and see their name on the side of the car. Follow their progress www.facebook.com/thethreerocketeers.

Donate www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hondamoon.