Six former Bathworth Sea Scouts are preparing for a gruelling 3,000 mile drive across Europe to raise money for one of the country's leading cancer hospitals.

Former group leader Quentin Webb, 48, was given less than a year to live in October 2006 when he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of kidney cancer.

However, after ground-breaking treatment at Christie's Hospital, Manchester, the married father has been given around a 40 per cent chance of survival.

To say thank you to the team of experts who helped save his life, Mr Webb and a group of his friends hope to raise more than £5,000 in a week by driving three vehicles through 12 European countries.

The challenge may sound straightforward for the three teams taking part - but in reality it is anything but.

Each has purchased their "luxury" vehicle for just £500 - a price that buys little travelling comfort and spreads even less confidence about mechanical reliability.

The vehicles (pictured) are a 1988 Jaguar Sovereign, a 1988 BMW 7 series and a 1980s Chevrolet Van similar to the one used by the A Team in the popular US television series.

After months of preparation - much spent nursing their battered motors through their MOTs - the teams leave from Rickmansworth next Friday.

Their route, planned in a Croxley Green pub, will take them through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Czech Republic, Holland and Germany, where the cars will complete a lap of the legendary Nurburgring.

If by this time the cars are still running the lads will add Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland to their list of destinations.

Team member John Wall, 23, of Bury Meadows, Rickmansworth, said: "All of us have known Quent for a long time and wanted to do all we could to help him raise money for the hospital.

"We looked at a few ideas and came up with this. It sounds a bit mad but the old cars will only make it more fun. We've already raised quite a lot but obviously want to make as much as we can."

Mr Webb, of Harefield Road, Rickmansworth, added: "The team at Christie's has literally saved my life and are giving me the chance to see my young son grow up"

"Many are not as lucky and the need for further research is as great as ever. "

To sponsor the team, visit www.justgiving.co.uk/europeanodyssey For updates on the teams' progress visit www.oneweekineurope.blogspot.com.

The team consists of Richard Patterson, 36, a sales manager for a life sciences equipment manufacturer; Ed Sylvester, 34, an internet advertising manager; Tim Gowing, 26, a market research executive; Quentin Webb, 48, an occupation data communications engineer; Bob McCaffrey, 34, who is self employed; and Jon Wall, 23, an IT recruitment consultant.