A Shrewsbury businessman working in the care sector enjoyed taking part in a banger rally so much he has set up his own charity to encourage others join in the adventure.

Ian Barnes, who runs Bluebird Care, helping people stay in their own homes with professional help as opposed to going into residential care, has set up his own website for his own banger event ‘Road Runner Rallies’.

Last year Ian took part in a road trip across Europe, travelling more than 1,500 miles in five days in a car worth less than £500.

Ian said: “I did one last year with three friends. Our team was called ‘The Shropshire Lads on Safari’ and we had a fantastic adventure and met some great people along the way. We enjoyed it so much I decided to set up and run my own charity banger rally.

“This year I will be taking part again along with my son Christopher and am inviting people to check out our website and take part – it really is fantastic fun and for a worthy cause.”

Road Runner Rallies aims to offer the ultimate Charity Banger Rally experience – “The Riviera Run”, which takes place from September 8-13 this year.

 The journey over five days will see participants starting in France near the ferry port of Calais, travelling through the Gotthard Pass in the Swiss Alps, past the Italian lakes, with  maybe a visit to the Ferrari Museum and then onto the final leg to Cannes and the French Riviera.

Ian said: “Journey times are kept short so you don’t spend too much time on the road. We have arranged excursions along the way and each evening we gather to exchange stories of the day’s adventures and drink lots of beer!

 “A Banger Rally suits people of all ages and backgrounds, male and female and does not cost a lot. We will be staying at good quality campsites where you can either camp to keep costs down or upgrade to a chalet or mobile home. We have researched the route and have identified some great things to do and great places to stay.”

The rally is a great way to raise money and participants can choose their own worthy causes.

“I run We don’t have any hard and fast rules but we would expect each team to raise at least few hundred pounds. Collectively we want to raise over £30, 000,” said Ian.

“Donating to charity is even easier when using www.justgiving.com. It really is simple to register. Alternatively we have a sponsor form for you to collect names and donations,” he added.

For more information visit the website www.road-runner-rallies.co.uk , email roadrunnerrallies@gmail.com or call Ian on 07703 686 841.

Blue Bird Care a professional home care service designed to help people stay in their own home and still have you the freedom to live their life as independently as possible. The carers at Bluebird Care Shropshire ensure that all of the people they help are treated as individuals.