A GROUP of Blackburn friends will be joining extreme charity challenge hero Bill Hodgson as they aim to raise £100,000 for good causes.
The team are also visiting Lancashire towns with the 'Rola Cola' truck to inspire people to donate.
Blackburn’s Pops Ali has joined forces with Bill, from Kirkham, who is aiming to set a new Guinness World Record by pulling a 2.2-tonne Jeep 30 miles without rest within 24 hours.
Bill is focussed on smashing the current record, set recently by duo James Baker and John Darwen, who each pulled a 1.5 tonne van 22 miles in 24 hours.
Pops said: “Five people from Blackburn who have all lost loved ones this year will be walking the 30 miles alongside Bill.
“We have the Rola Cola truck, and lots of businesses from Blackburn have been supporting the cause.
“I’m out collecting donations and selling advertising space on the Rola Cola truck all donations from our advertising are going to be shared between four charities.”
Pops Ali with charity challenge hero Bill Hodgson
The team is taking on the challenge in aid of several local children’s charities, including Donna’s Dream House (Blackpool), Secret Santa (Blackburn), Space Centre (Preston) and Rock FM’s Cash4Kids.
The fundraisers have also received the backing of England and Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler and ex-Everton and Burnley player Tony Grant.
Pops said: “It was great to meet up with them in Liverpool recently. They have been really supportive of the cause.”
Bill said: “My personal motivation for this really comes from wanting to give back to my local community, specifically for the kids who may not have much this Christmas.
“Last year was a tough year for everyone, so seeing the smiles Santa’s Slog Round 1 put on everybody’s face has really spurred me on to push myself even harder and hopefully raise more than the £50,000 we achieved last year.”
The 24-hour car flip raised thousands for charity
No stranger to endurance challenges, this will be the fourth 24-hour event Bill has endured, having previously completed a 24-hour 18-stone tyre flip, 24-hour car flip, and pulled a half tonne sleigh for 28 miles back in 2020 – raising a total of almost £100,000 for local charities.
The attempt will take place from 6pm on Friday, December 3, starting in Fleetwood, and will finish next day in Kirkham.
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