A cancer survivor will drive a pink pig the length of Britain to raise money for two causes that he credits with helping to save his life.
Nathan Lister, from Rickinghall, will take to the roads next month in a bright pink Citroen Picasso, which, thanks to a makeover, comes complete with a snout, tail, ears and eye lashes.
The car, which has been named Pigasso, will see Mr Lister mark his 25th birthday by driving to John O’Groats in Scotland, before heading south to Land’s End and then back to Suffolk.
He will be raising money for Cancer Research UK and Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, after being diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2021.
“I had started feeling really tired and breathless at work, but did not think much of it,” he told the Diss Express. “At first, the doctors thought it might be anxiety as I had just started a new job.
“But after a blood test, I had to attend West Suffolk Hospital in Bury, before undergoing 12 rounds of chemotherapy at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. Both hospitals were absolutely brilliant.”
Having been in full remission for more than two years, the self-employed farm engineer came up with the challenge in a bid to thank the two charities.
>“At first, I thought about doing a tractor run, but then a friend told me their grandparents were selling an old blue Citroen Picasso, after they were told it would not be worth putting through another MoT,” he said.
Purchased for £300, it took four months to transform the car and make it roadworthy, with Mr Lister hoping it will turn some heads, while raising vital awareness and funds.
“I have raised more than £2,500 so far,” he added. “People have been brilliant and I thank them so much.”
Mr Lister will set off from his home on Saturday, May 11, and return to Rickinghall Playing Field on Sunday, May 19, as part of the annual village car show.
To make a donation, go online to justgiving.com and search for ‘Nathan’s Pigasso Road Trip’.
