The Land Rover was born before he was - a 44-year-old Series that’s been restored and painted a brilliant yellow – and now Vic Wilkinson, 38, hopes it will take him on a 1,850 mile journey to raise money for Kidney Research UK.

On April 5th he’ll be heading north to the extreme northern point of Scotland before driving down to Land's End in Cornwall, and then – hopefully – back home to his small town in England. And he is going to try to do it all in one week.

"With such an old vehicle you can never tell what is going to happen –– but one way or the other, we will complete the trip," he said.

That determination stems from a close personal call. His youngest son Jamie was born with a dysfunctional kidney. When Jamie was just a year old he underwent surgery to have the kidney removed and it was at this time Vic and his family began to appreciate the research done by the charity.

"The car is 44 years old but I'm confident that with a good supply of tools and spare parts on board it will make the journey ––– although a 2.25 liter petrol engine of this age will be using a considerable amount of fuel.”

Vic is no newbie when it comes to Rovering. He is a member of the Nottinghamshire Land Rover Club, and will be camping out or sleeping in the Land Rover during the trip and stopping off at other Land Rover clubs along the way, who are sure to help him with any little kinks that get in his way.

The event, entitled “There ‘n Back Again,” is being backed by Kidney Research UK and the Nottinghamshire Land Rover Club. Vic, who will be accompanied by friend Vic Steers, is hoping to raise £2,000.

"We're already well on track to achieve this. Bowrings Transport, in Warsop, has already pledged £1,000 and Nottinghamshire Land Rover Club is giving £500," he added. Children from Whitwell Primary School, where Vic is head teacher, will also be fundraising to support the charity.

If you’d like to help Vic meet and even exceed his goal, shoot an e-mail to v4vpw@btinternet.com or by visiting:
http://www.justgiving.com/therenbackagain