2,500km charity road trip in old bangers turns ‘miles into smiles’
Employees at the electricity firm UK Power Networks have turned “miles into smiles” as they took on a near 2,500-kilometre roundtrip from Canning Town to the Swiss Alps.
Teams hit the road in a convoy of 13 cars for a charity road trip that has raised over £5,000 for a school in Zimbabwe.
The old bangers departed from the firm’s Bidder Street depot in Canning Town and made the journey through the south of England, through the Channel Tunnel, eastern France, Germany, crossing the Swiss border and up to the picturesque Alps.
Each car was bought for less than £1500 before it took the three-day adventure with two overnight stops, testing the limits of “both machinery and sanity.”
The fundraising was inspired by field engineer Steven Mafura, who grew up in in the outskirts of Harare, Zimbabwe, and saw how a lack of resources in schools held back many bright minds. His belief that education is the key to unlocking opportunity, compelled his colleagues to take on the thrilling international challenge.
Money raised will be used to help children access education and provide books and essentials to their village school. Every passenger donated at least £100 to take part in the experience with their colleagues and awards were given out along the route for the “worst car” and the “first breakdown.”
Teams hit the road in a convoy of 13 cars for a charity road trip that has raised over £5,000 for a school in Zimbabwe.
The old bangers departed from the firm’s Bidder Street depot in Canning Town and made the journey through the south of England, through the Channel Tunnel, eastern France, Germany, crossing the Swiss border and up to the picturesque Alps.
Each car was bought for less than £1500 before it took the three-day adventure with two overnight stops, testing the limits of “both machinery and sanity.”
The fundraising was inspired by field engineer Steven Mafura, who grew up in in the outskirts of Harare, Zimbabwe, and saw how a lack of resources in schools held back many bright minds. His belief that education is the key to unlocking opportunity, compelled his colleagues to take on the thrilling international challenge.
Money raised will be used to help children access education and provide books and essentials to their village school. Every passenger donated at least £100 to take part in the experience with their colleagues and awards were given out along the route for the “worst car” and the “first breakdown.”
Steven said: “It has been a lot of effort from everyone, that has really humbled me, [my colleagues] doing all of this for people they have never met or even known, just wishing them well and hoping they can give them a future and realise their dreams in life like all of us. I’m really overwhelmed.”
Ashley Matthews, a field engineer who helped organise the event said: “After many miles, plenty of laughs, a few breakdowns, and unforgettable views, our Swiss Alps charity trip has officially come to an end.
“A huge thank you to everyone who supported us along the way. It was an incredible experience and we’re proud to have taken part in support of Turning Miles to Smiles.”
Steven said: “It has been a lot of effort from everyone, that has really humbled me, [my colleagues] doing all of this for people they have never met or even known, just wishing them well and hoping they can give them a future and realise their dreams in life like all of us. I’m really overwhelmed.”
Ashley Matthews, a field engineer who helped organise the event said: “After many miles, plenty of laughs, a few breakdowns, and unforgettable views, our Swiss Alps charity trip has officially come to an end.
“A huge thank you to everyone who supported us along the way. It was an incredible experience and we’re proud to have taken part in support of Turning Miles to Smiles.”
For more information on how to donate, please visit: https://gofund.me/3a65aba35
Published: 26/05/2026
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For more information on how to donate, please visit: https://gofund.me/3a65aba35
Published: 26/05/2026
Back to news