Two friends are on a journey of a lifetime as they bid to raise £25,000 in record time.

Jagjit Singh Grewal and Rapinder Singh Cheema have embarked on their challenge to drive through 17 countries in 14 days in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

The pals set off in their Land Rover Discovery G4 from Gravesend's Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, heading for France, Germany, Romania, Turkey and Iran, before hopefully reaching their final destination of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India.

Initially planned as a "fun roadtrip", Jagjit and Rapinder decided to make it a fundraiser for the Mending Broken Hearts Appeal in memory of Jagjit's father, Joga Singh Grewal.

The father of three and grandfather of seven was just 56 when he died unexpectedly from a heart attack in February 2012.

The pals also hope their journey will set a new record for cross-continental travel in the shortest time and be recognised by the Limca Book of Records in India.

Jagjit, 36, who owns Performance Cars (Kent) in Singlewell Road, Gravesend, and Rapinder. also 36 and a professional poker player from Dartford, planned to drive up to 1,500 miles a day on the European leg before slowing down to no more than 300 miles a day once they reached more difficult terrain in Asia.

So far, they have encountered mountain tunnels, steep inclines, snow and hair-raising winding roads.

The pair have set up a website with a live GPS tracking page so their route and timings can be recorded by Limca officials.

Family, friends and supporters are also regularly updated on their progress with amusing videos and posts on social media.

But there has also been time for reflection. Writing on their blog, Rapinder said: "We are blessed to live the lives we have, blessed to be comfortable, housed, fed and loved.

"In acknowledging this, we also have a duty to help those who are not so fortunate as us. The more we drive, the more I understand my mission in life.

"To stay blessed we must help the less fortunate."

As well as supporting the British Heart Foundation, the pals are also fundraising for a children's orphanage in Amritsar to provide a new, fully-fitted kitchen.

The journey was made all the more possible with financial backing from several sponsors, including Alpha Bridging Solutions and Sian Formwork, both in Gravesend, and Dartford-based Dakar 4x4.

To donate to Jagjit and Rapinder's journey, go to www.justgiving.com/gravesendtoamritsar or text GTOA56 with the amount of £3, £5 or £10 to 70070.

Their website can be found at www.gravesendtoamritsar.com