A MAN from Huntingdon is taking part in a 72-hour rally from London to Budapest to live a dream for his friend who has been diagnosed with cancer. David Lush, from Ashton Gardens, was due to compete in the world famous Cannonball 8000 rally with co-driv

A MAN from Huntingdon is taking part in a 72-hour rally from London to Budapest to "live a dream" for his friend who has been diagnosed with cancer.

David Lush, from Ashton Gardens, was due to compete in the world famous Cannonball 8000 rally with co-driver Jason Oliver, but Jason pulled out after being diagnosed with cancer.

Now David has found a new driver and is determined to take part in the rally to fulfil 37-year-old Jason's dream.

David who works as a software technician for Northgate in Huntingdon said: "Jason is gutted that he can't take part in the rally. It has been a lifelong dream of his and it is something we have always wanted to do together. I hope that by taking part I can take enough pictures so that he can experience it."

Jason, who is from Peterborough and has two children, was diagnosed with testicular cancer three weeks ago and is due to start his chemotherapy on the first day of the rally.

He said: "As long as David gets out there and has fun then I'll be happy. It has always been a dream of mine to take part but I hope to experience some of it through David.

"I have given him some video equipment and asked him to set up a website so that I can watch his progress. It's not going to be the same as being there but at the end of the day I have to do what's best for my family and going on the rally isn't appropriate at this point in time. My health is my main priority."

David, 34, and his co-driver, 25-year- old James Middleton from Needingworth, will drive an orange 1979 Ford Capri three litre sport across five countries joined by more than 240 drivers in 120 of the world's most diverse cars. The Ford Capri belongs to David and it has had its original engine replaced with a Rover 3.5V8.

The team is hoping to raise money for charity but, as it couldn't find a sponsor, David paid the £4,500 entry fee himself.

He said: "I know it's a lot of money but it's too much of a good chance to miss out on. I'm a bit nervous because I've never driven abroad before but I'm really excited about driving round the Hungarian race circuit."

Created in 2001, the Cannonball 8000 rally runs from September 15-17 with motorists driving through Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Coverage of the event will be shown on ITV1 and ITV2.

INFORMATION: To find out more about the Cannonball 8000 rally visit www.cannonball8000.com/