A THRILL-SEEKING philanthropist is gearing up to take on a wacky races-style rally in the name of charity.

David Rivers, from Sadberge, near Darlington, will drive across nine countries in four days, completing random challenges, all in a working ice cream van.

Mr Rivers is hoping to raise funds for the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline charity, an organisation which helps children from Belarus and Ukraine affected by nuclear disaster.

He said: “It’s so rewarding. The kids have nothing, it makes you realise how lucky you are.

“I wanted to do it in an ice cream van because it’s something quirky and something different. I can’t wait to be driving over the Stelvio Pass with the jingle playing.”

Mr Rivers previously took part in The Two Ball Banger Rally last year, competing against 140 cars in a £440 PT cruiser.

He raised £2,000 for the charity and hopes to do the same this year.

The 54-year-old is taking on the challenge with two of his colleagues at the plastic factory where he works.

The team of three will drive alongside competitors including those in a hearse, in the charity fundraiser.

Mr Rivers is even missing his wedding anniversary to take part in the race and has thanked his wife for letting him go.

He came up with the idea for the ice cream van in the hope of topping last year’s 18-year-old cruiser.

The team were loaned the 19-year-old van from Tan & Go in Thornaby and have since replaced the working ice cream pump with a lager dispensing machine for when the race is over.

The route will take the team through the Black Forest, to Lake Como and along Monaco’s Formula One circuit.

Mr Rivers is passionate about the cause. He and his wife have taken in children from Belarus for the last six years, housing two children at a time for a month.

He believes taking the children in will give their body a break from the contamination.

Mr Rivers is already planning next year’s race and hopes to drive around the Nürburgring in Germany, in a Dennis Fire Engine.

To support the trip, you can donate to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/daverivers7774