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Rickinghall cancer survivor Nathan Lister to take ‘Pigasso’ car on epic charity driving challenge




A Suffolk cancer survivor will drive a pink pig the length of Britain to raise money for two causes he credits with helping to save his life.

Nathan Lister, of Rickinghall, between Bury St Edmunds and Diss, 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.

Nathan Lister spent four months transforming the Citreon Picasso. Picture: Mark Bullimore
Nathan Lister spent four months transforming the Citreon Picasso. Picture: Mark Bullimore

He will be raising money for Cancer Research UK and Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, after being diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021.

“I had started feeling really tired and breathless at work, but did not think much of it,” he told SuffolkNews. “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.”

Nathan and Pigasso will be hoping to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Picture: Mark Bullimore
Nathan and Pigasso will be hoping to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Picture: Mark Bullimore
Nathan Lister with Pigasso. Picture: Mark Bullimore
Nathan Lister with Pigasso. Picture: Mark Bullimore

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 awareness and funds.

“I have raised more than £2,500 so far,” he added. “People have been brilliant and I thank them so much.”

Nathan and Pigasso will set off on May 11, returning to Rickinghall Playing Field on May 19, as part of the annual village car show.
Nathan and Pigasso will set off on May 11, returning to Rickinghall Playing Field on May 19, as part of the annual village car show.

Mr Lister will set off on May 11 and return to Rickinghall Playing Field on 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’.