A group of friends from Wrexham have set off on a drive from the UK to Benidorm in a revamped van to raise lifesaving donations for a Welsh helicopter charity.

Team 77 visited the Wales Air Ambulance charity airbase in Welshpool as they set off on the Benidorm or Bust rally, to raise donations to fund their missions.

Gareth Roberts, Damien Thomas, Alun Roberts and Shaun Roberts revamped a rally car to resemble a Wales Air Ambulance helicopter.

The rally raises thousands of pounds for charity every year, asking participants to fix up a car that costs no more than £500, and drive to the seaside resort in Spain over four days.

Leah Thomas, event administrator, said: “We are all in the Wrexham area now, but originally are from Bala and Llanuwchllyn.

“Being somewhere that is 30 miles from a hospital makes us realised that Wales Air Ambulance is essential in urgent care.

“Every person on the team has a relative or friend that needed the air ambulance service.

“So, when we here of the Benidorm or Bust Rally, there was no discussion over which charity to do it for.”

Team 77 are setting off on a 1,400 mile journey to Benidorm, to help Wales Air Ambulance fund their missions across Wales.

The Welsh helicopter charity needs to raise £6.5million every year to fund its operations across the country, flying the A&E department to patient.

Each of the charity’s missions costs around £1,500, each funded through kind donations and support.

Helen Pruett, WAA Community Coordinator, said: “We would like to wish Gareth, Damien, Alun and Shaun all the best on their journey, and thank them for their outstanding support.

“Every mile they drive will be helping to fund our missions, so we can fly to the people of Wales in their hour of need.”

If you would like to sponsor Team 77 on their journey, text WAAA78 to 70070.