Thanks for visiting my fundraising page and a huge thanks to all those that have donated so far to Mercy Corps.
With your help, we've exceeded the target of £1000 and raised £1,740! Have a look at all who contributed and their words of encouragement here and to see where this money will go, check the blog for video and details.
I'm now looking to raise money for a second charity, The Friends of Victoria Hospital, an organization that is committed to helping staff at the hospital deliver excellent standards of treatment and care to patients.
There is a very close personal link to this charity, as my stepfather passed away here recently after a prolonged and very difficult battle with cancer. The entire team at the Hospital helped him enormously during his long illness, were always kind, incredibly helpful and very supportive to all the family. Raising money to assist the team further with the work and purchasing essential equipment and services is simply a thank you for their kindness. [Charity Registration No 299230]
visit www.fvhw.org
Also, the stakes are somewhat higher now with a target of £10,000. So please help and sponsor me now!
So what am I doing?
On 22 August this year, myself and twenty-four fool-hardy riders will mount our steeds amidst the ruins of the Great Khaan's ancient capital Kharkhorin, to face a gruelling 1000 km race across the empty wilderness of Mongolia. This will be no ordinary horse race. The Mongol Derby is not a test of the horse's speed, but the rider's skill, endurance and the toughness of the skin between our legs.
The Race itself
In order to complete the race, each rider has the use of 25 semi-wild horses and must navigate solo whilst surviving alone in the wild steppes of Mongolia. There's no carefully marked course, no catering tent and no support; this is horse racing on a whole new scale. Horses will be changed every 40 km so they stay fresh. Warnings so far focus on potential bleeding kidneys, broken limbs, open sores, sun stroke, moon stroke, wolves and a list of other dangers longer than my left arm. Fingers and everything else crossed!
World Record status
Just to make things a little harder for ourselves, there is very little to go on. The race has never been run and little comes close, so much so that the Guinness Book of Records has awarded this World Record Breaking status. It's now officially, the longest horse race in the world.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Mercy Corps gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
As a summary;
- it's a 1000km horse race across Mongolia
- it's the longest horse race in the world
- it's never been done
- it's a world record breaking attempt
