11:38am Sunday 4th May 2008
By Rory McKeown
A TEAM of Bridgwater adventurers are heading for a challenge of a lifetime that will see them travel 10,000 miles across Europe and Asia in a Volkswagen Golf.
Wembdon-born Gerber Juice development technologist Chris Arrigoni has formed a team with childhood friends Ian Tyrrell and Nick Hayman to complete the epic Mongolian Charity Rally.
The challenge begins in London on July 5 and will see the team crossing Europe, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Russia before finishing in the Mongolian capital, Ulan Bator.
Chris and his eager team will cross two deserts and five mountain ranges, often driving through inhospitable and unpredictable terrain.
To make sure they get through the adventure in one piece, the team will be taking a Haynes manual in case en route emergency surgery is needed for Chris' 1990 VW Golf.
Chris said: "We have had to do loads of planning, including organising visas, medical insurances and receiving the right injections, as well as preparing and modifying the car.
"What happens between London, the deserts, mountains, bandits and wilderness is anyone's guess, and I'm not even thinking about what it may do to the car's suspension.
"This is a once in a lifetime adventure that should raise a good bit of money for our three chosen charities, Save the Children, The Battery Hen Welfare Trust and Cancer Research UK.
"All the vehicles that make it to the end will be donated to a charitable foundation in Mongolia, so I will have the perfect excuse to buy a new car when I get back."
Chris has received sponsorship from Gerber, where he has worked since 2004, and hopes to gain more support before the journey.
Each competing team is required to raise a minimum of £1,000 for a chosen charity. For more information on how to sponsor the team, follow the link on this story on our website, www.bridgwatermercury.co.uk.
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