A group of scooter enthusiasts are about to set off on a gruelling world record attempt to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.

The Scootaway UK 2017 team is made up of Barry Drew from Walderslade, Dave Drew from Gillingham, and Jim Dennis from Upchurch, as well as their friend Mark Broadhurst, from Doncaster.

They aim to ride their Lambrettas on all 50 motorways in England, Scotland and Wales within three days, a feat which has never been attempted before.

Members of Parkinson’s UK Scotland will see them off from Dunfermline today. The arduous drive will end when the riders will be greeted at the gates of Chatham Dockyard by friends and family, as well as the current and former Mayors of Medway David Wildey and Stuart Tranter.

Organiser Barry, 50, an accountant, set up the trip because his long-time school friend, Phillip Bungay from Chatham, who was a Pride in Medway finalist this year, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

He said: “I had the idea seven years ago but I never had the time to implement it.

“Since then my I’ve found out my oldest friend has Parkinson’s. I turned 50 last year and right now feels like a better time than ever. I’m excited but you can’t go into anything like this without trepidation – there are so many variables and the scooters are notoriously unreliable.”

The riders have modified their scooters for long distance motorway driving and two of the group are expert Lambretta mechanics. Colourful side panels are attached to the scooters to make the team recognisable as they tour the country.

Maidstone Audi has also donated a car to transport the five-strong support crew, all of whom are from Medway.

Reporters from our television station KMTV will be travelling with the riders to document their journey.

“It’s great to raise awareness but, at the end of the day, it’s all about the money,” Barry said. “If everyone who sees us gives just 10p we could make so much for a great cause.”

The ride at first hit a snag when The Guinness Book of World Records initially refused to recognise the attempt.

Barry said: “They told me it had to involve an element of skill and be verifiable, which it will be because we’re using GPS trackers.

“It also has to be beatable – if anyone else wants to do it, I’ll be the first person to shake their hand coming across the finish line.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ScootawayUK to donate