A WIRRAL couple have taken part in a banger car rally in India to raise £2,000 cash for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Debbie Smedley - a nurse who works at the Emergency Department Review Unit and Arrowe Park Hospital and David Houghton were in a convoy of 40 old Mahindra jeeps dressed up as Minions - characters taken from Disney film Despicable Me.

They took on the grueling challenge dressed as Minions complete with fart guns, bubble machines and 40 life-size inflatable minion-characters to give out to people along the way.

Having taken part in the event last year with a Beatles theme, David’s team won the Tin Westwood Trophy for the best decorated car, a title which he and Debbie defended this year.

They were inspired to raise funds for the cancer charity after David’s involvement as project manager on the new Alder Hey hospital build, where he saw what being treated on a Teenage Cancer Trust unit can make to the lives of young people with cancer.

Regional fundraiser at Teenage Cancer Trust Sian Day said: “It’s been fantastic to hear all about Debbie and David’s Dumball Rally adventure, we’re so grateful for their support.

"Through our incredible units at Alder Hey and Clatterbridge we can make sure young people don’t have to face cancer alone. As a charity we rely on local people like David and Debbie fundraising to help us achieve our goal of being there for every young person with cancer.”

David said: “What a blast but what a challenge too. A week later and we are still aching and emotionally drained. We met many amazing, caring, fun Dumballers and the Indian people were fantastic and welcoming to our fancy dressed mobile circus invading their lovely towns and villages.

"Who knew deserts could be cold and wet in our Jeeps with no doors! It was all to raise money for the very deserving Teenage Cancer Trust – we have not quite reached our £2,000 team fundraising target but it’s not too late to donate.”

To help Debbie and David reach their £2,000 fundraising target, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/debbiesmedley