One car, two friends, 14 days, 17 countries and the aim of raising £25,000 for charity.

That is the challenge facing pals Jagjit Singh Grewal and Rapinder Singh Cheema who plan to drive from Gravesend to Amritsar in India in record time and 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 massive heart attack in February 2012.

Jagjit and Rapinder, who are both 36, have decided that what was once planned as a 'fun trip' will now be a fundraiser for the British Heart Foundation's Mending Broken Hearts Appeal.

They will set off in a Landrover Discovery G4 from the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Saddington Street, travelling through countries such as France, Germany, Romania, Turkey and Iran before reaching their final destination of the Golden Temple in Amritsar in two weeks.

It is hoped 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.

"We were planning this trip in 2011 but just for fun," said Jagjit, who owns Performance Cars (Kent) in Singlewell Road, Gravesend. "Raps loves driving and so do I. It was going to be a roadtrip for us.

"But then my father died and everything got put to one side. Raps was a great support and in August this year we were talking about the roadtrip again and thought why not do it for charity and dedicate it to my father."

Jagjit and Rapinder, who is a professional poker player from Dartford, will begin their journey of a lifetime on February 1.

They hope to drive up to 1,500 miles a day on the European leg before slowing down to about 300 miles once they reach more difficult terrain in Asia.

"We will be sleeping in hotels and we will not break any speed limits," said Jagjit. "The Limca Book of Records currently has a record set in 2013 for 16 countries in 40 days."

So their progress can be followed by family and friends, and recorded by Limca officials, the pair have set up a website with a live GPS tracking page. They will also provide a daily blog while en route using onboard cameras.

"As a family unit, we have taken part in various BHF events over the last three years and raised nearly £5,000 for their appeal," added Jagjit.

"But I don't do walking and so for me and Raps, this is our thing. My missus thinks I'm a bit crazy and Raps' missus thinks he's a bit crazy too."

In preparation, the two men have secured backing from several sponsors, including Alpha Bridging Solutions and Sian Formwork, both in Gravesend, and Dakar 4x4 based in Dartford.

The BHF Mending Broken Hearts Appeal was set up in 2011 and aims to raise £50 million for research into regenerative medicine and pioneering work.

Head of community fundraising Luke Mallet said people go to extraordinary lengths in their fundraising.

"Every contribution, big or small, plays a crucial part in every breakthrough we make so we are incredibly grateful to Jagjit and Rapinder for choosing to support the BHF in their upcoming expedition."

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.

For details about the BHF appeal visit the fundraising site.