The Challenge: On the 20 December 2008 we will be participating in the Timbuktu Charity Challenge. The aim of the event is to drive ‘banger cars’ further than most people would ever think possible, infact, from Plymouth, England to Timbuktu, Mali via the Sahara Desert (a total of 5,000miles) whilst raising significant funds for charity. The journey is expected to take 4 weeks should we make it....
The Team: ‘Brothers from Other Mothers’ are a four man team based in Salisbury, England.
Ant Gray is a Senior Garage Technician & MOT tester, he loves getting his hands dirty, can get anything moving and back on the road with consummate ease, a mechanic of the highest calibre. He could have his work cut out this time!! 'Timbuktu doesn't really exist does it?' he once asked.
Jake Dew is our languages man, unfortunately he speaks a poor standard of GCSE German which is less than useless! Currently watching re-runs of Only Fools & Horses to brush up on his french and with what he describes as 'only a touch more than a grasp', he is confident that his French can get us through!!
Russ Spencer is our travel expert (an 'ex' as in a has been, 'spert' as in drip under pressure!!) Not only did he know where Timbuktu was, he could point to it on a map................. invaluable, right? Has backpacked through Africa and thinks that will help!
The Wheels is our vehicle of choice, a real beauty of a 'banger' I am sure you'll agree. A left hand drive Subaru Legacy of Polish origin and hand painted black by previous owners, the ideal colour for the desert. But it is International car of the Year 1991 don't you know!!. Now modified with 'Dukes of Hazard' airhorn, roof rack and obligatory flashing light, we hope she is up to the 4,600 mile journey in what can be described as in a 'challenging environment' . The car will be donated to Rotary Club Control committee when we reach Mali and will be auctioned, the funds raised will be distributed to local African causes.
The Charity
Our charity of choice is the 'Caring 4 Kids' campaign at Salisbury District Hospital; which aims to raise £1 million to help fund a highly advanced new Children's Centre at the Hospital. The Centre will benefit thousands of children from across Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire which at the moment are treated in outdated wartime buildings. This really is a very important charity appeal and needs all our support, so please get behind us and donate generously, and give the kids a chance.
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