TWO Peeblesshire mechanics will be driving for success when they tackle a charity Scumrun tomorrow.

Josh Muir, 23, and Chris Philip, 26, are getting set for the challenge which will see them travel around Europe in a £500 car to raise money for children’s charity Together for Short Lives.

The pair, who work at David Duthie Auto Repairs in Peebles, have been fixing up their vehicle to make sure they get as far as possible in the five-day mission.

Josh told the Peeblesshire News: “This is something our friends told us about. You have a £500 budget for a car and it is all about seeing how far you get.

“The event starts in Kent. There will be a launch party, then we will travel from Dover across to Dunkirk. We don’t know where we will be going from there. You don’t get told.”

The Scumrun has been established for more than 10 years and each year drivers raise money for a different charity.

Josh added: “When we first heard about it and found out it is for a good charity, we just thought, we’re both mechanics, so why not?

“We have had the car we are going to use just sat on the driveway for about three years. It has taken a lot a work to get it going, but it is working now.

“Hopefully we can complete the challenge.”

Josh and Chris have also had the support of Peebles-based textile mill Holland & Sherry, who have sponsored the trip by donating £750.

The company told us: “Holland & Sherry likes to support local people taking part in charity events. When employees, Keith McIntosh and Martin Sterricks brought the Scumrun event to our attention and explained to us the details of the charity it was endorsing this year, it seemed the right thing to do. 

“So many babies and children are born into this world, they touch our hearts but unfortunately some are only blessed with short lives. For parents living with this knowledge, knowing that their child is not long for this world is heart wrenching.

“We wanted to show our support to Josh and Chris, and in doing so decided to make a donation to the Together for short lives charity. 

“We believe that the challenge that they are both about to undertake is admirable, it not only raises awareness for the charity but all money raised will make those last moments special and memorable for those parents and children.”

The Scumrun starts on Thursday. To donate, visit: http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Josh-Muir3?utm_id=26