A STEAM engine and its driver from Tavistock’s ‘The Works’ is to travel across Devon in aid of NHS Charities Together.

Jack Ayland, The Works’ company secretary, has orchestrated the Coast-to-Coast — Caring for Carers event which starts on Monday, August 17 and will see him drive a vintage Robey tri-tandem steamroller for the epic journey.

Jack, 26, said the idea for the challenge was born after his Grandma became ill in April this year.

He said: ‘In mid-April, my nearly 90-year-old Grandma collapsed in her garden, breaking a rib and vertebra. During her treatment, secondary cancer in her spine was also found.

‘During the height of lockdown, my mum and I were unable to see her, living 160 miles away. This challenge is about caring for loved ones, and thanking those who do.

‘This challenge is about helping medical research to advance treatments against cancer and supporting the service helping carers who look after our loved ones.’

The 1930 steamroller based at ‘The Works’, a heritage engineering centre, in Tavistock, has received some last minute ‘tinkering’ ahead of the challenge, including the addition of a brass plaque with the name ‘Graham’.

Jack explained: ‘Graham owned a little bit of the engine, but he sadly died at the end of 2018 following his cancer struggle.

‘With the support of his family, including his son Ethan who is going to help during the challenge, we felt this was the right time for a commemorative run in his name.

‘Using a steamroller (which is the same age as my Grandma), I am going to attempt a Coast-to-Coast challenge from North to South Devon (Lynton to Plymouth, via Barnstaple, Okehampton, Tavistock and Yelverton), driving 90 miles, over five continuous days with all my provisions onboard.

‘The aim is to finish on Plymouth Hoe on Friday afternoon, providing the journey runs smoothly.’

Jack continued: ‘The pandemic has highlighted the strain of caring for the vulnerable.

‘I have personally felt the positive impact of the healthcare team through my Grandma’s struggles and sincerely appreciate them with a bigger heart.

‘My Grandmother has been a massive support in my life and made things possible, it’s my turn to repay that altruism.

‘Any money raised will be in aid of the NHS Charities Together Appeal and the great work they do, even through a pandemic. Thank you so much for any donations you can give to make this challenge even more worthwhile.’

Donations can be made through the Crowdfunder page, by searching for ‘Coast-to-Coast — Caring for Carers, https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/coast-to-coast---caring-for-carers-2