A FATHER whose daughter was born three months early is revving up support for Grimsby's neonatal unit.
Rob Preston, 33, of Grimsby and his friend Simon Stephenson, 35, are taking part in this year's Barcelona Bangers rally.
For Rob, the event is a way to raise money for the unit at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital (DPOW), that cared for his daughter Lauren Preston.
On August 26, 2010, his partner Sarah went into labour at just 25 weeks – her due date was not until December 6.
Lauren, who weighed 1lb 15.5oz, was transferred to Jessops neonatal unit at Sheffield Children's Hospital 12 hours after birth, where she remained for four weeks.
She returned to the neonatal unit at DPOW for a further eight weeks to be cared for.
Rob said: "It was a daunting time for us both and as Lauren is our first child we were not sure what to do.
"The staff at both hospitals were fantastic but we wanted to give back to Grimsby especially because it is our home town."
Although two-year-old Lauren has chronic lung disease, she is still a lively toddler.
Rob said: "So far we haven raised just under £2,000 through sponsorship and donations which is great."
The men will drive across Europe in a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, that they have customised in the theme of Pac-Man.
On Wednesday they will set off from Grimsby and head to Calais where they will meet others taking part in the event.
This is the first time they have entered into the Barcelona Bangers rally and are hoping to have a lot of fun.
Simon, of Cleethorpes, says they are both mad about cars and bikes so the event seemed fitting.
He said: "The idea is to purchase a car for no more than £250 – we were really lucky and Cars Of Grimsby gave us a cheque for this amount. Then we designed it and did it up at minimal costs for the event.
"Again we have had a lot of help from businesses and Grimsby Signs have done all the labeling as a donation.
"I am looking forward to driving to Barcelona, it will be a new experience as I have never done it before.
"We have given ourselves a team name 'In Cod We Trust', taking Grimsby with us on the journey.
"I have stuck the football club's crest to the car to support the town across Europe."
To sponsor Rob and Simon, visit www.grimsbyneonatalunit.wix.com/gybarcybangers2013.
Alternatively visit their Facebook page where Rob's dad has pledged to donate £1 for every like the page gets, www.facebook.com/pages/Grimsby-Neonatal-Unit-Barcelona-Bangers-2013
