A 20-year-old motor and a very important mission: could you help Huxley’s story buzz all the way from Dover to Benidorm and maybe even Calahonda?
Picture a Range Rover covered in black and yellow stripes, with oversized wings, wobbly antennae, cartoon eyes and a beaming smiley face on the front. Meet the “Bee-nidorm Express”, which leaves Dover for Benidorm in May 2027 with four people on board. Heads will turn, but the real reason for the Bangers 2 Benidorm trip matters far more than the costume.
Huxley, a brave 10-year-old fighting leukaemia
Huxley has a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia. Following months of intensive treatment, his family is now trying to reach specialist care that could give him the chance he badly needs. That route may mean going abroad, with a price tag of hundreds of thousands of pounds. Organiser Steve Waterman, who has a home in Calahonda, decided the adventure should be dedicated entirely to him. “We heard about Huxley via friends and thought it was such a worthy cause,” said Steve.
A very old car and a very long drive
The Range Rover is 20 years old, has covered close to 300,000 miles and has no service history, and its plate reads BEE 1 NID. The drivers will need to stock up on snacks as they attempt to cross France, Italy, Switzerland and Andorra to reach Benidorm. Provided the car survives, they will carry on to Calahonda and beyond, hoping to meet friends there in May. Steve and his crew will wear silly bee outfits throughout the journey and post regular updates on their Facebook page. Events and sponsorship will add to the fundraising, all of it to bring Huxley closer to treatment.
Credit:SteveWaterman
Get your own personalised bee on the car
Joining in is simple and a rather sweet idea. Each donation earns a personalised bee sticker on the Bee-nidorm Express, and larger gifts get larger bees. Here is the process:
1. Scan the QR code to donate.
2. Give through GoFundMe.
3. Message the team with your name once you have donated.
4. Look out for your bee on the car.
Credit:SteveWaterman
How the fundraising is going
Donors have so far contributed £1,586 towards a £5,000 goal, which is 32 per cent, across 43 donations. Every amount counts, whether that is £5, £10 or £20. Those unable to give can still help by passing the page on to friends, family and colleagues.
Why Huxley’s story deserves to travel
Huxley dreams of the things every child should be able to enjoy: growing up, spending time with his family, playing sport, loving animals and having adventures. If a gloriously silly bee-covered car can bring him and his family a little more hope, then the miles will be well spent. To help, visit gofundme.com/bangers2benidorm, give what you can and follow the journey on Facebook.