3 Minis set off on their journey to Turkey

Earlier this year, we brought you the news that Dave Cassidy and five of his friends were planning on driving three Mini Cooper S cars all the way to Turkey... and back again. On May 1, the team set off on their journey from Cannock and made a very special stop off at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham before continuing their journey.

Inspired by the film The Italian Job, the team have one red, one white and one blue Mini Cooper complete with the Union Jack on the roof and since seeing them last, they have covered their cars in stickers to tell everyone what they're doing!

Dave's father-in-law, Peter Garnett, has recently received six months worth of chemotherapy at QEHB, and to thank the hospital and the staff for their care of him, they are driving 5,000 miles to raise money for cancer patients at the hospital.

Talking about the challenge, Dave said:"Thanks to all the staff and doctors on the ward, Peter had fantastic, positive treatment throughout his time there. This is not only for Peter, but our trip will help so many other patients who already visit this ward, or may have to in the future."

Peter has been receiving his treatment on Ward 621, the Oncology Day Unit, so all the money that is raised through the challenge will go to benefit the cancer patients who are, and will be, treated on this ward.

Andrea Fernyhough, Ward Manager on Ward 621, said: "I was quite emotional seeing the guys setting off in the minis. To be doing this for 621 is incredible and I am proud of them all!"

As well as the journey to Turkey, the team have been raising money in the run up to the start of the event by visiting Asda in Cannock and doing a bucket collection and have had plenty of support from their friends, family and colleagues!

Justine Davy, Head of Fundraising at QEHB Charity, said: "A huge good luck to Dave and the team for their incredible fundraising challenge. They have already raised so much money and they've only just started their journey! All of the money raised will be a huge benefit to cancer patients at QEHB and will help us to provide the very best care for them. We can't wait to see all of the places you visit along the way!"

They started their journey in Cannock, and by day 5 they will be arriving at the Abrakebabrah Bar in Hisaronu, Turkey!

You can follow the team on their journey here or see where they'll be on which day below!

You can also sponsor Dave and the team on their journey by visiting their JustGiving page here.

Day 1 – Cannock to Ypres (5 hours driving)

Day 2 – Ypres to the Germany/ Austria Border (10 hours driving)
Day 3 – Berchtesgaden on the border to Slavonski Brod in Croatia (c 9 hours driving)
Day 4 – Croatia to Cannakale in Turkey (13 hours driving)
Day 5 – They Arrive! Cannakale to Hisaronu in Turkey (9 hours driving) They hope to arrive at Abrakebabrah at around 6 pm.
Day 6 to 9 – Holiday and rest in Hisaronu.
Day 10 – Hisaronu to Cannakale in Turkey (9 hours driving)
Day 11 – Canakkale to Igoumenitsa in Greece (8 hours driving)
Day 12 – Greece to Turin in Italy stopping off at the Fiat Factory Hotel where the famous race scene in The Italian Job was filmed.
Day 13 – Turin to St. Bernard’s Pass. A short drive and the opportunity to visit where the opening and closing scene of the film was made.
Day 14 – Late evening arrival back in Cannock.