The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is supporting an ambitious charity expedition which will see a Manx team attempt to drive almost 3,000 miles across Europe in six days.

Precision engineer Nick McCudden, 24, 26-year-old finance officer Mark Bangero and Craig Swan, a 22-year-old IT technician, are aiming to travel from London to Barcelona in a modified Vauxhall Astra VXR as part of the Modball Rally in June.

The Steam Packet Company is giving Team Isle of Man free transport as they head to London for the start of the event on 20th June. Over the following days they will visit Paris, Milan, Rome and Monte-Carlo before reaching the finish line in Barcelona.

Entry is limited to just 180 cars and each team is asked to raise money through sponsorship to donate to The Modball Rally Foundation, which works with charities and partners across the world that meet Foundation’s core principles and assist by helping disadvantaged children experience motorsport events.

Nick said: ‘The Modball Rally is going to be a real challenge, but also an exciting adventure. The rules say each car must have at least two performance or visual modifications and there must be at least two drivers. Then we have to get to the start line in London and travel through France, Italy, Monaco and Spain. We only find out about each night’s accommodation at the start, which means we haven’t been able to pre-plan our route, which adds to the challenge and the excitement. As well as working out the way, we also have to keep to a schedule and look after the car, so it’s not going to be easy.

‘Each member of Team Isle of Man has paid their own entry fee and we are raising money to donate to the Modball Rally Foundation, so we are really grateful for every bit of support we get. The Steam Packet Company has been fantastic in giving us free transport to and from the Island, and on behalf of Mark and Craig I’d like to thank them for their generosity.’

Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘It is an ambitious journey which will not only be a real experience for the team, but will also help raise money for charity. We’re pleased to be able to do our part in helping Team Isle of Man wave the Manx flag across Europe on the Modball Rally.’

Photo - Team Isle of Man members Craig Swan and Nick McCudden with the car they will take to the Modball Rally.