Mongolia rally challenge for Shropshire trio - and a 17-year-old Nissan Micra

For Rob Treasure, from Ashford Carbonell, near Ludlow and his friends Fergus Jones and Hugh Hammond will set out today in a 1L Nissan Micra in an attempt to drive to Ulan-Ude in Russia as they take part in the Mongol Rally.

Rob said: "This is a mammoth challenge that will take us approximately 11,000 miles, though 20 countries, up to 45 degree heat, and will see us travel along smooth roads, rough roads, and no roads at all.

"For the last year we have been planning and organizing every possible detail for this trip.

"This has included everything from travelling all over the country in order to find a suitable car to organising charity fund raising events at university. We have received incredible support from local companies in particular Selley Auto Services out at Culmington where Neil and the team have worked tirelessly with us to ensure that our 17-year-old Micra will have the best possible chance of making it the distance.

"We want to thank everyone that has supported us including local companies such as TNT Tyres, Selley Auto Services, Hire Equipment, Treasure and Sons Ltd. and David Gittins at The Serpent Farm.

"This trip will take us across two continents and through countries that even Genghis Khan himself wouldn't have dared ventured into and will challenge us mentally and physically - it is a proper challenge.

"We are doing it in aid of two charities. The first is Maggie’s Centre, a charity that looks to offer practical and emotional support to those affected by cancer as well as their families. Maggie's is particularly close to us personally as Fergus's mum has been battling cancer for several years and they have offered some incredible support for both her and his family. It is there for everyone that needs it and is certainly a worthy cause to support.

"The second charity is Cool Earth whose principle aim is to combat the deforestation of rainforests in order to mitigate global warming. As well as this they look to protect endangered habitats and to offer employment to local people. Global warming is a serious issue and Cool Earth is looking to make a stand against it."

Anyone wanting to check the progress of the team, as they make their way through Germany, Austrian, Greece, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and into Mongolia before finally reaching Ulan-Ude in Russia can take a look at the group's Instagram account and Facebook page with are both under the team name Khan Drive No More.

They have set up a justgiving page, and have already raised more than £3,700 for Maggie's Centre.

To donate go to justgiving.com/fundraising/mongolrally-18

To donate to Cool Earth go to coolearth.org/campaigns/20097/khan-drive-no-more