A COUPLE celebrating 40 years of marriage are gearing up for a marathon charity car rally across Europe.

Will and Anita Harvey, from Pickhill near Thirsk, will take part in Benidorm or Bust, a four-day challenge for classic cars and old bangers, in a 1993 Rover worth just £300.

The couple, who have four children, are raising funds for the British Heart Foundation in memory of close family who suffered heart problems.

Donors can buy and sign red hearts to decorate the silver car for the 1,400-mile trip via Calais, Rouen and Bordeaux in France and Zaragoza in Spain.

Mr and Mrs Harvey, who run a garage repairs centre, met at a dance in Thirsk town hall and married six months later, in May 1977, at St Mary’s Church in Thirsk.

They will start their trip from Blackpool, where they spent their honeymoon. From there, they will drive to Dover to join the other 190 Benidorm or Bust drivers for the June 7 start.

In the past the couple have celebrated previous anniversaries with parties and meals out although for their silver anniversary they holidayed in Las Vegas.

“Because it’s our ruby anniversary and my favourite colour is red, we decided to support the British Heart Foundation,” said Mrs Harvey, 56.

“We’ve lost several close members of our families to heart problems so it would be lovely if the money we raise can be used for research."

“I’m really looking forward to the trip - though the car doesn’t have air-con so I wonder what I am letting myself in for. Luckily, it does have a sunroof.”

Mr Harvey, 59, also took part in Benidorm or Bust two years ago with his sons Chris, 35, and Jeff, 32. The couple also have two daughters, Zoe, 39, and Claire, 37.

“That’s when I got the bug, and I thought it would be great to do the trip with Anita,” said Mr Harvey

“I’m not taking all my tools, just a pair of pliers and a screwdriver. The anticipation every morning of whether the car will start or not will add to the excitement."

The couple, who have T-shirts from the tyre company Firestone for their trip, plan to stay in Benidorm for four nights before flying home and leaving the car – whose nickname is Ruby Red - with relatives in Spain.

“I’m looking forward to enjoying our hotel with some sun and a large glass of wine,” said Mrs Harvey. “We’re going to share the driving so we’ll be ready for some relaxation.”

Mr Harvey added: “Once we’ve done this together, we might start looking at Route 66 for our Golden anniversary.”

  • To sponsor Mrs and Mrs Harvey for the British Heart Foundation, contact 01845-567512 or buy a red heart from The Black Horse Inn at Kirklington.