Dozens of car enthusiasts are gearing up for an epic “banger” rally to Italy and back to raise money for a Peterborough children’s charity.

Called ‘Pistons to Places’, the fundraising drive is the idea of Nick Jones – who wanted to support a good cause in memory of his daughter Olivia.

Olivia was just seven when she passed away from complications relating to Aicardi Syndrome – a rare genetic condition affecting the brain.

Now Nick and supporters are hoping to raise £35,000 for Little Miracles – a charity supporting families that have children with additional needs, disabilities and life-limiting conditions.

Nick Jones, left, and his bother Dan Jones, right, will both be taking part in the Pistons to Places challenge in memory of Nick's daughter Olivia (inset).

placeholder image — Nick Jones, left, and his bother Dan Jones, right, will both be taking part in the Pistons to Places challenge in memory of Nick's daughter Olivia (inset).

The four-day challenge will see teams driving “bangers” 2,300 miles across Europe from St Ives to Pisa in Italy and back again.

Explaining the motivation behind the fundraiser, Nick, 54, said: “We were inspired to support Little Miracles because since the loss of my disabled daughter Olivia. A friend of mine works with the charity. Had Olivia still been alive when they opened, we would have used them.

“I have always done sponsored events on the anniversary of her death. This year, instead of joining other events I thought I would start my own.”

Nick, who will be travelling in an old Mercedes CLK320 with his brother Dan, has taken part in rallies to Europe before.

"We always go to places that seem so far away,” he said. “The Leaning tower of Pisa is a place everyone knows of but would not dream of driving there, certainly not in a car worth less than £1000!”

“One of the bangers we have signed up is an old VW Polo, that I reckon may struggle a bit on some of Europe’s roads!”

The challenge begins on June 26, with teams having to raise a minimum of £1000 for Little Miracles before then.

“So far, 30 cars have signed up,” said Nick, “And we only have one place left.”

The 2006 Mercedes Nick and Dan will be travelling in to Pisa, Italy, and back.

He added: “We are so grateful for all the businesses who have shown support and donations to this incredible cause we’ve had already. Every penny we raise will go towards supporting families who have children with additional needs disabilities and life limiting conditions.

To support the fundraiser for Little Miracles, visit Nick’s JustGiving page, or for more information, head over to the Pistons to Places Facebook page.