by Rebecca Hannant
Two men from Hedon have completed a 1,850-mile rally from London to Lisbon in a Ford Ka — all to raise funds for the non-profit organisation Ruben’s Voice.
Jack Shaw, 25, and Chris Hancox, 37, took part in the Two Ball Banger Rally, a five-day European road trip open to vehicles of all sizes and ages. Their car – a Ford Ka wrapped in a Sonic the Hedgehog design – was one of 45 small vehicles taking part.
The rally began at Brands Hatch in Kent and saw competitors drive through France, Spain and Portugal. Each day included different legs and optional challenges.
The route covered 340 miles to Le Mans, 277 miles to Bordeaux, 278 miles to Burgos, 329 miles to Braga, and a final 226-mile stretch to Lisbon.
During the trip, Jack and Chris faced a number of obstacles – including getting caught up in a widespread power cut across Portugal.
Jack said: “We saw so many beautiful places across France, Spain and Portugal. But we ran into problems when the power went out in Portugal. We ran out of fuel and couldn’t use our cards – we didn’t have any cash. Luckily, a German man appeared from the back of a camper van and lent us €20 to get us going again. We found a petrol station still accepting cards and made it to Lisbon, where the power finally came back on at 9pm.
“We started the drive home the next day and passed through Andorra on the way, which was an amazing place and experience.”
The pair took on the rally in memory of Ruben Ferrol, a local teenager who took his own life in April 2021, aged 18. Ruben’s Voice was set up by his mother, Katy Smith, to promote suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
So far, Jack and Chris have raised £1,600 for the cause.
Jack added: “Katy was over the moon that we chose Ruben’s Voice for this crazy challenge. She even joked about squeezing in the boot, but there wasn’t quite enough room!”
Katy said: “Jack and Chris are an incredible pair of young men. What a fantastic, yet absolutely crackers achievement.
“The whole point of Ruben’s Voice is to raise awareness, start conversations and make people feel happier. Their challenge – and their little car – have absolutely done that and more. We’re so grateful they chose to support us.
“I hope they remember the achievement with pride and laughter forever.”
To donate, visit app.collectionpot.com/pot/3282735.