Andi's friends make him a mean machine
A GROUP of friends has transformed an old Land Rover into a 21st century super driving machine for a Scout who has just had intensive treatment for cancer.
Earlier this month, friends of Andi Bull, 22, of Vicarage Farm Road, Wellingborough, launched an appeal in the Evening Telegraph for help to restore his beloved 39-year-old car as a surprise for him after they were inspired by MTV's hit show, Pimp My Ride.
On Saturday, after nearly three weeks of intense work the group presented the facelifted Land Rover to Mr Bull – the day after he came out of Leicester Royal Infirmary.
He said: "It was a big shock but I think it's absolutely amazing. I cried when I first saw it being driven up.
"I've always loved Land Rovers. I was never able to afford one but I decided to get one last year because I figured you only live once.
"I'd like to thank everyone who has had any involvement in helping to get it to this stage – they've done it just the way I would have liked to have had it done."
Mr Bull, who was given a top Scouting award last year, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in September 2006 after a tumour was discovered in his chest.
He has had intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy and a stem cell transplant.
Mr Bull bought the car as a project to work on but his friends decided to transform the car while he was in hospital.
The group has completely overhauled the old blue Land Rover, re-sprayed it black, modernised it and added a "pimped" badge to the back of it.
Among those who have worked on the project was Andi's older brother Chris who shares his passion for Land Rovers.
He said: "We wanted to get the vehicle sorted out for him because we knew it would mean so much to him.
"Even I can't believe how different it looks – you wouldn't recognise it as the same thing.
"I'd like to thank Andi's friends Tom Swannell and Ben Haynes and everyone else who has worked on it or supported us in any way."
The project was supported by G B Auto Care, Premier Galvanising, Hometech UK Limited, R D H Fabrications, Derek Jones Bodywork, Rockingham Land Rovers, East Midlands Fastenings, R J Contracting, Nene Valley 4x4, C T Autoparts and HB Humphries.
The appeal also generated several offers of donations including 100 from a woman in the Rushden area.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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