Sophie and Helen are going to be undertaking the 2007 Mongol Rally (to their parents horror) and we have to set an ambitious fundraising target! 

For more info on the Rally go to http://www.mongolrally.com/

No GPS or SAT Nav is allowed (or at least it starts getting complicated in Russia as you need a permit), there is no back up in an emergency and no help to be expected.  An automatic £1,000 charity donation needs to be raised to get the car in the race.  The car has to be 1000cc engine or less and worth small change.  It is going to travel approximately 8,500 - 10,000 miles with an average of 300 miles per day.  It is going to go through mountain ranges and deserts, from cold to 50 degrees centigrade.  It may (depending on the chosen route) pass through Turkey, Iran, Siberia and places I can't spell ...and so are we :).  It is billed as the most adventurous rally in the world and goes 1/4 round the world.  To put this in context, when looking at a map the tip of Mongolia is north of the top of the tip of Australia and past Saudi Arabia and India.

If you do not think that this alone is worth putting your hand in your pocket or you're not sure how much to sponser us, then think of how much you would have paid at a comedy club to have such a laugh at our expense.  Think of the break downs, the organisation involved, the 50 degree heat, bugs and the lack of beds and showers; mostly think of Sophie's complete lack of direction and language skills.  I hope you think thats worth contributing whatever you can stump up :)

Sophie comes from the relatively obscure town of Malmesbury but is mainly based in Southampton.  She speaks no foreign languages very well,  has been driving for currently 2 years and never abroad.  She cannot currently even change a bicycle tyre. 

Helen is based in London, she is married, speaks some German, has been driving for over 10 years, can change a tyre and has done some driving abroad.

Anthony Matthews is the team manager and has the enviable task of sourcing and fixing up the car to such an extent it holds together until the finish line. 

The official bit.....Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Mercy Corps Scotland will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks for your support.

Sophie & Helen :)

Some sponsors and helpers so far:

Eastleigh College - has sponsered me to do their car servicing course :)

Soton IAMS - have offered to improve my driving through advanced driving lessons.

The Parkers Forum Community

Trevor Potter - for the 'defensive driving' tips and Matt Littleson.

Neal Murphy - for website help

Alex Skinner for media help

Thule - for a roof box and advice