Neil Westwood Takes on the Mongol Rally Adventure for Charity

22nd September 2011

The Mongol Rally has been a fanciful idea of myself and my younger brother for many years now. The idea of driving half way round the world across mountains, rivers and deserts sounds adventurous. To do it in a car that is barely suitable for granny to do her weekly shopping could be considered stupid or dangerous. The challenge is great: a car worth less than £1000, with an engine smaller than 1 litre, driving more than 10,000km. The reward: to raise as much money for the charities as possible while having the adventure of a lifetime. Our charities were Christina Noble Children's Foundation and Help for Heroes. Sadly, my brother had to pull out - the day after I'd paid the deposit. I suggested the idea to a few friends at home who only laughed at me. Then, unexpectedly, the chef on the platform agreed to fill the empty seat, on the provision his wife gave permission. I don't know if he lied to her (or proposed), but she said yes: fantastic. So off we go, Andy and myself to plan the rally. First things first, we need a car. The auctions near home provided a 52 plate Seat Arosa. From then on we spent a good deal of time sorting out the route, equipment, insurance, visas and numerous other unexpected items. The preparation was an exciting part of the journey.
 
The UK rally launch was from Goodwood, doing a circuit of the racecourse to loud applause before heading off in convoy to a party at a castle in the Czech Republic for the European rally launch. We dressed as Arabs to fit in with the theme and had a skinful of booze before retiring for the night. The next day, with mild hangovers, we started our adventure. To clarify, between the Czech Republic and the finish in Mongolia, you are totally unsupported and must handle any and all situations on your own. Our route took us through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Russia and finally Mongolia. Each of these countries holds a story for us, some of which can be recounted, some not. I will not tell the tale here, but will send a DVD through to all sponsors so that they can feel they took part in the adventure with us. From delays at borders, bribery, comedy, one puncture, digging ourselves out of sand, crossing knackered wooden bridges, eagles, guns, tequila slammers, camels and goats, sore buttocks and skinned knees - the story unfolds.
 
We made it to Mongolia with the car and deposited her (Rosie) at one of the offical drop off points before making our way to the finish line on a local bus. The logic in this was local advice suggested we either wouldn't make the final few hundred kilometres, or if we did, the car would be damaged and effectively scrap. Our intention was to always raise as much as possible for the charities and the difficult decision to hand the car over in full working order was taken. The car will be auctioned and the proceeds go to the charities.
 
The journey took us nearly 4 weeks to complete. We did have a fantastic adventure. We raised nearly £3000 for our charities. We both send a huge thank you to all who sponsored us and made it possible.
 
Neil and Andy.