Hospice to fund 6,000 hours' care with rally cash

Carlos Baldry (left) founded the Rust Bucket Rally in 2014

A hospice says it will able to fund at least 6,105 hours of inpatient nursing thanks to money raised from its recent fundraising car challenge.

A total of 160 people took part in the Rust Bucket Rally, driving in old bangers from Wellingborough to the Swiss Alps, and back again.

Cynthia Spencer Hospice, based in Northampton, said more than £91,000 had now been donated.

"What the rust bucket has done has blown us away really, it was an amazing group of people," said Michelle Morris, the community and events fundraising lead.

Sixty-five out of 71 vehicles made it back to Wellingborough in one piece

The four-day challenge started on 26 June and drivers stopped overnight in Cologne in Germany and Switzerland.

The cars had to be bought for £1,000 or less, and 65 out of the 71 vehicles finished the adventure in one piece.

The hospice first opened in 1976 and provides inpatient care, outpatient services and wellbeing services.

The rally takes a different route each year and plans are already shaping up for the 2026 edition, which will see entrants journey to Norway, Denmark and Sweden.