Staffordshire dad turns £925 van into camper to raise £10,000 for Childline

A Staffordshire father is converting a £925 auction van into a tiny camper to raise £10,000 for Childline and has raised nearly £1,900 in just over three weeks.

A Staffordshire father is converting a £925 auction van into a tiny campervan to raise £10,000 for Childline as the charity marks its 40th anniversary. He and his partner Beckie run the family YouTube channel Sonnie's Adventures and are documenting the build with their two young children. The family has raised nearly £1,900 in just over three weeks while sharing the highs and lows of the project online. The challenge was inspired by both parents turning 40 this year, the same age as Childline, and has drawn local business support despite mechanical setbacks. Key facts: - The van was bought from an online auction for £925 and is a 2013 Fiat Doblo. - The fundraising target is £10,000 for Childline, which was founded in 1986. - The family has raised nearly £1,900 in just over three weeks by documenting the build. - The completed campervan will take part in a 72-hour challenge from the UK to the Nürburgring in Germany and back. - After the challenge, the finished campervan will be raffled and all proceeds donated to Childline. - Local businesses and some national outlets have provided parts, repairs, or publicity to support the conversion. Summary: The project combines a family-led van conversion with public fundraising and media documentation, aiming to raise funds and awareness for Childline on its 40th anniversary. Planned activities include completing the camper conversion, undertaking the planned 72-hour Nürburgring challenge, and raffling the finished vehicle to collect funds. Community contributions have been important in keeping the project on track.