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More on KentOnline
A father and son from Ashford have teamed up to take on a 2,200-mile challenge in a bright pink car they transformed in memory of a courageous little boy who loved Peppa Pig.
Stuart Norman, 52, and son Cameron, 19, plan to drive from Land's End to John O’Groats in the bespoke Nissan Micra while passing through all 92 mainland counties in the UK.
The pair from Great Chart decided to take on the challenge in memory of Alfie Butler who passed away from cancer.
Alfie was an inspiring youngster who made an impression on the Normans while they were facing their own gruelling battle.
In 2015, Cameron was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged 13 and was told he needed to fly to America to have specialist proton beam therapy which at the time was not available in the UK.
He spent nine weeks in Florida undergoing intense treatments for 30 minutes each day and alongside him was Alfie and his family.
After treatment Cameron and Alfie were both able to ring the end of treatment bell at the specialist centre in Jacksonville.
They were both given the all clear but despite defying the odds with his progress, Alfie’s diagnosis became terminal in 2018.
On January 2 last year, he sadly passed away aged five.
Alfie, who had the biggest smile and the most amazing laugh, inspired so many people, his parents decided to set up a charity in his honour.
Working closely with Clic Sargent through hospital referrals, Alfie’s Wish funds days out so children with cancer can make priceless memories with their families.
To support the charity which is in its infancy, Stuart, who restores classic cars for a living, came up with the idea to transform his 21-year-old Nissan Micra pink inspired by Alfie’s favourite show.
The 52-year-old said: “One of Alfie’s favourite places was Peppa Pig world and I wanted to do something a little bit different, and more personal to the norm.
”I’m not fit enough for marathons, in fact, all I am good at is driving and keeping old cars on the road so this is perfect.
“It may not be running or cycling, but this challenge is no mean feat. The logistics alone are mind boggling because we won’t be using any sat navs and we can’t go direct anywhere.
“We will be zigzagging across the country in a 21-year-old bright pink car.”
It took the pair just two days to spray and personalise the vehicle at Stuart’s workshop in Tenterden.
A GoFundMe page has so far raised £1,060.
The target has been set at £5,000 - that’s £1,000 for every year since the Norman’s met Alfie who would always greet them with a smile and a high five.
The challenge should take them eight days starting from Sunday, June 6 in Cornwall where they will begin to weave their way up to Scotland.
Some days they will be on the road for more than eight hours but the pair say it will be worth every mile to support the charity.
To donate, click here.
