A GROUP of intrepid Tameside travellers are on their way to raising funds for charity – without the need for a Scooby Doo-style ending.
For the quartet are travelling as characters from the famous cartoon, in their very own Mystery Machine.
John Dutton, Mehmet ‘Casper’ Avci, Dan Wallwork and Richard Norton set off from Stalybridge to their intended destination of Monte Carlo as they take part in the 2025 edition of Bust Rallies, which sees several teams journey in themed vehicles.
Or rather Scooby, Shaggy, Velma and Daphne are.
Dubbed the Monte Carlo or Bust Rally: Champagne Charlie, they have driven to the official start at St Quentin in France, on Friday, May 30, after a registration evening.
They will drive to Dijon before crossing through Switzerland to Turin in Italy and finally winding their way back into France before entering Monaco.
Once there, they will have a quick lap of the Formula One circuit and before finishing where the chequered flag is normally waved.
From there, everyone will head to nearby Nice for a final rendezvous with presentations, speeches and a few other surprises.
Richard was behind the wheel of their specially-adapted car – which all four clubbed together to buy before having it decked out just like the famous Mystery Machine van from Scooby Doo.
And everyone will be driving before the finish on Sunday, June 1.
John, who lives in Stalybridge, said: “We’re going to share, definitely!
“We’re just going to share.
“We’ll be stopping in France for two nights in France and a night in Italy before ending up in Monte Carlo.
“And when it was decided we’d go as the Scooby Doo gang, Dan and I said, ‘There’s not a chance we’re being either of the girls. Those two have to be.’
“The finish line is the Monaco Formula One racetrack. I watched the Grand Prix thinking, ‘I’ll be travelling along there – just probably not at the same speed.
“We had a guy drop out. It was Fred, but you never know, we might pick somebody up!”
Mehmet, of Majestic Barbers and resplendent in his Velma outfit, added: “Because I was the skinnier one, I just thought, ‘You know what? I’d be better as one of the girls, showing my legs.’”
Richard, still looking for a Fred as the journey started, said; “It was supposed to be five of us. Originally it was four of us, and then another lad was coming, so I changed it to five.
“I was looking for like things which had five members, that’s why I went for Scooby Doo.”
So, I think the finish line is the Monaco Formula 1 racetrack. Oh, it’s just done it, hasn’t it? Yeah, just done it last weekend. So, that’s the finish line, is their finish line.
Each day will see the team where costumes to different themes – Hawaiian shirts will be followed by sportswear and all-white clothes as they enter Monaco.
Despite the brilliant outfits and car, there is a serious side to the journey, raising money for Purple Heart Wishes, a charity that grants wishes to adults aged between 18 and 55-years-old who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
“We’re hoping to get £3,000,” John added. “I think we’ve put as a target on there, but we’ve not started sharing or advertising it just yet. There’s been a few donations.
“Whatever we get, though, doesn’t matter as it’s going to a great cause.”
*YOU CAN donate to the ‘Mystery Machine’s’ fundraising journey by clicking on Purple Heart wishes’ website at www.purpleheartwishes.org.