Inspired by Top Gear, the three of us have decided to spend this summer completing a ‘lap’ of Europe and North Africa - minus the huge film crew and support trucks.

It’s just us three inexperienced mechanics crammed into a desperately underpowered and overweight Volvo we’ve christened ‘Valerie’. Previously used to transport pigs, our mission is to ensure our trusty steed survives the the wild terrains, unmarked roads and inevitable breakdowns along the way. This journey will take us through 16 countries, 2 continents, 3 mountain ranges, The Sahara desert and roughly 10,000 km of driving.

Now we can imagine what you’re thinking, “why on earth would anyone want to do this?!”. Trust us, we’ve asked ourselves the same question. But then we thought, why not turn this crazy idea into a way to raise funds for 2 great worthy causes?

Our charities are Anthony Nolan and Toms Trust, with all of us having strong links through family and friends.

Here is a bit about each charity in their own words for those who aren’t familiar…

Anthony Nolan’s world-leading stem cell register, groundbreaking cell and gene therapy research and expertise in stem cell transplants means we currently help four patients a day in need of a transplant, giving more people another chance to live. But we know we can, and must, do more. Driven by patients, backed by stem cell donors, powered by science, and with your support, we won’t stop until we’ve uncovered the lifesaving potential of the cells inside us all, and every patient can survive and thrive

Tom's Trust is the UK's only charity dedicated to providing mental health support to children and young people, with brain and other central nervous system tumours, and their families. Approximately 500 children aged 0-19 are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year. Many experience serious mental health issues as a result of their tumour, and 62% of those who survive will then live with life-long disabilities. Tom’s Trust clinical psychologists support hundreds of children, and thousands of family members within hospitals in the East, North-East, North-West, and Thames Valley; helping them from diagnosis, through brutal treatment and as they return to life at home.

We couldn't decide which to support, so thought we thought why not both! We are self funding the whole trip, so 100% of donations will go to the charity of your choosing, but we preferably the funds split get split as evenly as possible.

Any support is welcome whether its a donation or simply a shout out on social media. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok: [ themedrally ] to keep up to date with us on this absurd challenge!

See you on the road,

George, George and Angus

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