A BRITISH motorcycle champion from Damerham is taking on the Screwball Rally today in aid of Young Epilepsy, in memory of a Sheiling School pupil who died from a seizure this summer.

Steve Bateman, 56, will start in Dover and undertake a 2,000-mile route to Prague and back via Switzerland, Italy and Austria, in an old BMW dressed up as an 80s police car. He will be accompanied by entrepreneur Steven Birchmore, 45, from Three Legged Cross and valeter Jason Anthony, 35, from Osmington.

The aim of the Screwball Rally is for competitors to drive old bangers costing under £750 to Prague and back over five days to raise funds for their respective charities. More than 125 cars are competing in this year’s rally.

Mr Bateman’s son Grant has recently graduated from Young Epilepsy’s St Pier’s College, where the medical staff and teachers have managed his epilepsy fully for the first time in his 21 years and he is now completely seizure-free.

Mr Bateman said: “Grant’s best friend Ned Eaves, a student at the Sheiling School in Ringwood, tragically died this summer from a severe seizure and with the support of Ned’s parents we want to dedicate this trip to his memory and hope that we can raise as much money as possible to fund further advances to try and cure this terrible condition.

“We will be driving about 500 miles a day, coming back Monday, but we won’t be slumming it.

“We’re driving a £425 2.8-litre petrol BMW and towing a caravan rather than camping like most of the others will be - I didn’t fancy freezing in Switzerland!”

The trio have raised £2,400 so far, with money still coming and look set to meet their £3,000 target.

To sponsor Mr Bateman go to Justgiving.com/YE2014 or text YESS92 to 70070 and pledge £5.

Sponsorship forms are also available – contact superbikebuyer@aol.com or call 07768 534210.