London to Mongolia Charity Drive

Driving 8,000km through desert and bandit country in a 998cc 1989 Nissan Micra might not appeal to everyone, but two students from Buckinghamshire – with the support of Marangoni Tyre, Broadway Tyres and M&M Autos – are doing just that, all in the name of charity. Billed as ‘The Greatest Adventure in the World’, the Mongol Rally is a real test of courage and initiative, as there is no entourage of support vehicles or carefully marked courses. The 2005 rally was a massive success, despite only 14 entrants completing the trek. Competitors will travel across deserts and on roads that range from bad to non-existent to reach their final destination, and will prove to be an exceptional test for the Marangoni 155/70 T13 Trio tyres.

“This is a great opportunity for Broadway Tyres, M&M Autos and Marangoni to give something back,” commented Broadway Tyres’ BDM, Phil Hancock. “Martin Smith – one of my key customers from M&M Autos, Buckinghamshire – contacted Broadway after being approached by one of his customers, Bruce Sadler of Swallow Motors. We discussed the opportunities to support such a noble cause and offered a number of sets of Marangoni tyres to indicate our support. The rally will be a massive challenge for the two young lads, but we are sure they will have plenty of fun along the way, and we look forward to hearing their stories on their return.”

Daniel and Christian have already raised £1,000 for the official charities of the Mongol Rally organisers, however, the young adventurers are not resting on their laurels. Additional funds raised have been pledged to The Claire Sadler Fund, which allows teenagers with cancer to realise their dreams of a holiday abroad. The fund was started by the daughter of Bruce Sadler of Swallow Motors who was diagnosed with cancer when she was 15. Despite intense Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Claire lost her fight aged 17, and her final wish was that other young sufferers would have the chance to get away and enjoy a holiday – despite the cost of insurance and carers etc.

Commenting on the fundraising adventure, Bruce Sadler said, “Christian and Daniel really are heroes for our charity. Luckily, they are young and full of bravado, unconcerned with the potential perils and pitfalls the rally could throw up. Since accepting the challenge of the Mongol Rally, they have received unbelievable support from multiple companies such as Broadway Tyres, M&M Autos and Marangoni – for which we are extremely grateful.”

The annual Mongol Rally commenced in Hyde Park, London on 22nd July 2006, with 200 vehicles departing on a two-month rally to the Mongolian capital Ulan Bataar.