Teams from Martha Trust’s 2014 Monte Carlo car challenge are celebrating the success of their trip, having raised a whopping £22,000 in sponsorship.

Nine teams from across Kent drove around 1,300 kilometres to their destination in the South of France, in cars worth no more than £200.

Together, they raised more than £22,000 in sponsorship, with one team, the Solley Scooperstars breaking all previous records by raising an astonishing £4,300.

And with all of the racers in fancy dress, there was sabotage, pranks and laughter all the way.

Stephen Solley, from Solley’s Kentish Ice Cream in Ripple, near Deal, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support the work of Martha Trust. Monte Carlo Madness was a great experience for a worthy and local cause. We had lots of fun, made new friends and hopefully the money we raised will make a difference to the residents at Martha Trust.”

Miraculously all nine cars made it to Monte Carlo where a number of the cars were scrapped raising additional funds for Martha.

Julie Gayler from Martha Trust said: “I would like to thank all the participants for making the 2014 challenge such a successful and memorable event.

“We’d also like to thank our generous main sponsors; Sota, Systems Technology, Unipet International Ltd, Ward and Partners, Kent Community Foundation and MyFerryLink without whose support the event would not be possible.”

She added: “We are already taking bookings for our 2015 adventure Bonkers in Barcelona, so if you think you might be up for the challenge get in touch.”

This year’s challenge departs Dover for Barcelona on Saturday, September 12, 2015 returning Tuesday, September 15.

If you’d like to take part or consider becoming a main sponsor visit www.marthatrust.org.uk/bonkersinbarcelona, call Martha Trust on 01304 610448 or email fundraising@marthatrust.org.uk