A LIFELONG sufferer of a crippling disease will embark on a Top Gear-style long distance drive in a 1972 MGB to raise money for a charity close to his heart.


Stephen Dent, 69, from Middlewich, has suffered from ankylosing spondylitis (AS) since the age of 13 and is travelling around the country in his beloved classic car to raise funds for the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society.


Stephen, who is well known in the town for being the chairman of the Mid Cheshire Rail Campaign and vice-chairman of the Middlewich Clean Team, will set off from Middlewich on his journey on Tuesday, May 3.


The journey will see Stephen travel from Middlewich to Land’s End, then to John O’Groats and the back to Middlewich – totalling more than 1,600 miles.


Stephen said: “I have had ankylosing spondylitis (AS) since the age of 13. AS is an incurable crippling auto-immune disease affecting the spine, peripheral joints and various organs of the body.


“I joined NASS shortly after it was created 40 years ago and I and many others have had considerable support from them over the years. I run their Crewe branch at Leighton Hospital where we hold a fortnightly exercise group.


“It seems fitting that I use my 44-year-old MGB to raise money for NASS during their 40th anniversary.”


Stephen will be accompanied on the trip by Jeremy Hilliard from Willaston, who will share the driving which otherwise would be difficult and painful for me due to the AS.


To support Stephen in the challenge, visit justgiving.com/Stephen-Dent.