Scots father and son to embark on 2000-mile charity drive to Portugal

A Scots father and son are to don pirate costumes and attempt to drive a rally car from Dumbarton to Portugal to raise money for charity.

The 2000-mile route will see Ian and Finlay Marshall navigate through northern France, Spain and then into Lisbon, Portugal, in a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed old Ford Banger Rally Car – all for Maggie’s Cancer Charity.

The challenge involves teams fixing up old Ford Ka models and styling them into a theme of their choosing, with the pair naming their vehicle ‘The Pirates of the Ka-Ribbean’.

Iain Marshall, who owns family-run business William Marshall & Son Ltd, which has been keeping cars on the roads of Dumbartonshire for 75 years, said the charity trip will also allow him the chance to spend valuable bonding time with his son.

The business owner said: “There’s no better way to do it than side-by-side in an old banger whilst raising much-needed funds for people affected by cancer and those who love them.

“Over many years in business, I have known so many local people who have faced cancer and treatment, and so, when this opportunity presented itself to raise money for a beautiful cancer centre not too far from home, it felt like the perfect chance to help support a charity which provides such valuable support.”

Son Finlay said those receiving treatment at the centre will be “forefront in our minds” as they embark on their journey today, which is part of the week-long Two Ball Banger Rally Race.

Finlay says: “It’s all about having fun, challenging ourselves and the motor to travel long distances over six nights, and raising money for Maggie’s.

“It was a real pleasure to visit the Maggie’s Centre and to see and hear some of the incredible support offered to people with cancer. This will be forefront in our minds as we journey land and sea”

An online fundraiser has so far raised £975 of the £1,000 target.

To follow Iain and Findlay on their adventures, or to support their challenge, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/glasgow2lisboncharityrally