A MOTOR enthusiast couple are driving their 1971 VW Beetle 'Betty' to Mongolia and back to raise cash for Claire House Children's Hospice.

Heather and Colin Maddox, who run Aline Mobility on Victoria Road, Widnes, embark on the 20,000-mile trip on July 16, starting from Goodwood Race Circuit, near Chichester.

The pair, who have been together for more than 20 years, share a love of classic cars and motorbikes.

They were inspired to tackle the ambitious marathon after watching Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman's 'Long Way Round' and the series Marco Polo.

An internet search then led them to the Mongol Rally and they decided to do it for charity.

Heather, 40, said: "We bought the Beetle, named her Betty, and decided not to respray her as she is a mix of all the colours she has been - like a patchwork quilt.

"Colin is driving there and back, and I am driving there but flying back once we reach the finish line. Colin will be away for 12 weeks, whereas I'll be back after about five."

The couple, who have a 15-year-old daughter, have named themselves The Mongol Wanderers.

Heather added: "Me and Colin will be taking it in turns to drive to Mongolia and back - we will be driving over 20,000 miles in total.

"We will have no help on the way, no GPS, no back-up vehicle, no breakdown cover, just us out in the big wide world to fend for ourselves."

They are hoping to pass through France, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan before reaching Mongolia.

Heather said: "We chose the Claire House charity as it's very close to our hearts. What they do to support the families of terminally ill children is unbelievable.

"All donations are gratefully received, including items for raffle and tombola prizes."

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Betty-Maddox To follow their adventure go to Facebook - Betty Maddox or theadventurists.com.