Mongol Rally success!

We are happy to report that Gareth and two other adventurers (Fergus and Ish) stupid enough to take on this challenge recently returned from Mongolia having successfully completed the 2010 Mongol Rally.

An annual event since its inception in 2003 the Mongol Rally involves the drive from the UK to Ulaan Bataar, the capital of Mongolia with participants raising money for charity- a treacherous journey across 1/3 of the Earth's surface with no backup, support or route. An endurance test not for the faint hearted! Upon arrival teams donate their vehicles and the cash they've raised to charitable organisations working in Mongolia.

The lads took 34 days to complete their epic 9,000 (ish) mile journey and have raised in excess of £1500 for charity. The team's chosen charities included Mercy Corps involved with projects aimed at supporting Mongolian herding families and rural communities, Christina Noble Children's Foundation dedicated to serving children in need of emergency and long-term care, nutritional rehabilitation, educational opportunities and protecting those at risk from economic and sexual exploitation and The Ellen MacArthur Trust which aims to support, empower and enliven children suffering from cancer or leukaemia by introducing them to the joys of sailing on the sea.

Undeterred by mechanical problems (breakdowns, punctures, a broken fuel tank) diabolical roads, delays with visa registration and lengthy queuing at border crossings, the team travelled through 13 countries (France, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia) along Romania's Transfagaran Highway (the highest road in Europe), negotiating some of the world's most challenging environments  including the Kazakh Steppe and Gobi Desert and witnessing  unimaginably stunning scenery.  For details of their route visit www.forthoseabouttorally.com.

Gareth and the team would like to give a huge thank you to all those that supported them and were kind enough to donate to their chosen charities. Without all this of this wonderful support they wouldn't have been able to achieve their dream! Having now seen where some of the money is spent, they can assure you that it was a very worthy cause and will make a life changing difference to many. Once again, thank you!