A MAN is driving more than 1,500 miles in a car named after his granddad to raise money for the charity which cared for him before his death.

Matt Peveral, from Langley Park, is driving from Bowburn to Benidorm in Spain with friends Gavin Dugdale and Ste Laing in memory of Geoff Bird, who died in 2014.

Mr Peveral is driving his ageing Vauxhall Zafira, which he has named Geoff, to raise money for St Cuthbert’s Hospice.

He said: “St Cuthbert’s Hospice provided amazing care for my Grandad in his final days. He loved the nurses and loved to open up the doors to his room that looked out over the gardens.

“I wanted to give something back to St Cuthbert’s as they cared for my Gran Vera and my Aunty Kath too. It’s such an incredible peaceful place and I’m so pleased to be able to support a local charity.”

Jade McArdle, Senior Community & Events Fundraiser at St Cuthbert’s Hospice said: “We wish Matt the best of luck in his adventure. We’re incredibly grateful to him for undertaking this challenge in aid of the hospice.

“Our little mascot Cuthbert is going along for the ride too and we look forward getting some updates from him along the way.”

To sponsor them, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-Peverall1.