End-to-end journey proves a racing success

A 24-year-old driver has gone to great lengths to prove that not all young motorists are boy racers—all the way from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Mark Fitzgerald (24) completed his amazing 837-mile “emissions mission” on a single tank of diesel—and still had 165 miles’ worth of fuel left when he reached his destination.

Mark, from Maltby, was joined by friend Andy Conway (28) in a bid to raise money for charity and explode the myth that younger drivers are more interested in speeding than saving the planet.

Now the pair hope that their incredible trip—during which they reached a peak of 93.5 miles per gallon in their Seat Ibiza ECOmotive—will inspire others to travel safely, save money and protect the environment.

“We thought that we might have arrived in John O’Groats practically running on fumes, but are really proud to have achieved this so comfortably,” said mark.

“It proves that with careful driving, looking ahead and judging the traffic to avoid unnecessary braking, travelling light and keeping your tyres inflated, you can be safe on the road, save yourself money and protect the environment.”

Andy added: “It was a fascinating and testing journey.

“We had to concentrate at all times, but this hopefully shows that not all young male drivers are reckless, inconsiderate speed merchants.

“Hopefully our ‘emissions mission’ will inspire other young motorists, while raising money for a very worthy cause.”

Mark and Andy set off from Land’s End last Saturday and arrived at John O’ Groats on Sunday evening.

They driving duo raised hundreds of pounds for the Breast Cancer Campaign but still need donations to reach their £1,000 target.

They put their successful trip, during which they averaged 87.3 miles per gallon and smashed the Ibiza’s 76 miles per gallon average, down to sensible driving and forward planning.

You can still help Andy and Mark reach their fund-raising target by visiting www.justgiving.com/IbizaOC.