THREE friends set off on a Blackwood to Munich charity trek yesterday in a £300 car - each dressed as Dr Who.
Richard Shelton, 39, Antony Wood, 39, both from Pontllanfraith, and Rhys Davies, 30, from Bridgend, are making the journey in a 22-year-old VW Golf from the Valleys to Munich, Germany - and back again - in aid of Parkinson's research.
Mr Shelton, dressed as David Tennant's Dr Who as the trio departed Libanus Primary School in their TARDIS-themed car, decided to take part in the Ramshackle Rally as his father David, 76, has Parkinson's.
"Three years ago I took part in a similar rally across Europe to Croatia," explained Mr Shelton, who will be making a video log of the trip, alongside 20 other teams.
"We want to raise between £1,000 and £2,000 for Parkinson's UK and have £800 so far."
If the car fails mechanically the trio are hoping some of their fellow riders can help out on the 1,800-mile journey from Calais to the French Alps, through Italy past Lake Garda, into Slovenia and ending up in Munich on Tuesday. The team can then choose a shorter route home, said Mr Shelton.
Children at Libanus Primary School in Pontllanfraith waved off the trio, who the pupils have been talking about as part of a school project.
To follow the team's progress, visit www.the3doctors.com
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